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Food and monetary donations for the local food bank can be dropped off at the new police service substation on 10th St. E. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 19. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Police launch initiative to help the city’s less fortunate

Dec 10, 2019 | 1:49 PM

A new campaign to help the city’s less fortunate has the Prince Albert Police Service joining forces with the Prince Albert RCMP for a food drive.

Residents and business owners are being encouraged to drop off donations of cash or non-perishable food items for the Prince Albert Food Bank at either the RCMP detachment office north of the city or the new municipal police substation downtown. Police spokesperson Charlene Tebbutt told paNOW the food drive initiative is also a great opportunity for the police service to promote its newest facility.

“It’s just a chance again for the public to come in and see what we are doing [at the substation],” she said, adding when people come down to make a donation, they are more than welcome to stay for a tour.

The new substation was officially opened last month. At the time, police stressed their desire to have a place where victims of crime, or the general community, could come and feel welcome.

“Any chance we can, we want to be a part of what’s happening in the community and the food bank has a great need all year round and especially over the holidays and over Christmas,” she said.

Donations have started to trickle in at the downtown substation. (Submitted photo/ Charlene Tebbutt)

Donations will be accepted until Dec. 19 at the downtown police substation between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Food items can also be dropped off at the Prince Albert RCMP detachment during regular business hours.

The Prince Albert Food Bank distributes up to 1,000 food hampers to local families each month. Some of the most needed food items include pasta, rice, beans, canned meats and fish, canned fruits or vegetables, and cereals or oatmeal.

“I’m hoping [the food drive] is something we can do every year because I think it’s just a great thing we can partner on with other police and law enforcement agencies,” Tebbutt explained.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Kelly agreed he too was open to the idea of making the food drive a long term event.

“We’re starting to build some networks and some bridges with our partners there and it”s a good time of year to do that,” he said.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

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