(Derek Craddock/paNow Staff)

By Derek Craddock

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Another successful ‘Shop with a Cop’ for Prince Albert Police

Dec 7, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Some deserving kids took part in a Christmas tradition with the Prince Albert Police Service.

Shop With A Cop returned on Wednesday as city police members and community safety officers joined several kids from across the city in purchasing gifts for their families.

Around 25 students this year came from W.J. Berezowsky, John Diefenbaker, Riverside, Queen Mary, and King George Schools. The students were chosen by the schools to participate.

Before the kids started their shopping spree at Canadian Tire, they were given a ride on the Prince Albert Raiders bus from their schools to the McDonald’s on Marquis Road. There they were treated to lunch courtesy of the restaurant.

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Unfortunately, because of the bitter windchills, some kids were not at school because the buses did not run Wednesday morning. That’s where teachers from the schools took it upon themselves to pick up the kids and bring them to McDonald’s to make sure they didn’t miss this opportunity.

Once inside the Canadian Tire, each officer was paired with one or two kids, and each was given a $100 budget to buy their gifts.

“Canadian Tire is forgiving all the tax on the items they purchased today,” Charlene Tebbutt with the Prince Albert Police Service said.

Some groups finished very quickly, while others took their time, making sure they picked the perfect presents for their families.

(Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

As you can imagine many of the kids flocked to Toyland and found the best toys for their siblings. Others went to the sporting goods section to pick up items like basketballs. Chocolate was also a popular gift for the kids, of which Canadian Tire had no shortage.

When all the groups finished their purchases, they returned to the Raiders bus for another surprise. Each kid was given a hand-wrapped present, containing a gumball machine, a book and other small toys.

The event was a success and Tebbutt said it wouldn’t have been possible without some community support.

“The Prince Albert High Noon Optimist Club donated $1,500 towards the program and wrapping paper,” she said. “We’re just as excited as the kids.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock