Holiday shopping spree for Calgary youth helps police make connection
CBC News | Posted: December 5, 2018 9:09 PM | Last Updated: December 5, 2018
27 students paired with officers for annual CopShop event at Marlborough Mall
A couple dozen students from schools in the city's northeast were treated to some holiday cheer on Wednesday courtesy of the Calgary police and Marlborough Mall.
The 27 youth each got a swag bag filled with stuff donated by mall merchants and a $200 gift card to spend on a police-escorted shopping spree.
The annual CopShop, now in its 13th year, is intended to build positive relationships between the Calgary Police Service and city youth.
The kids are chosen based on financial need, academic performance, sports achievement or in recognition of their volunteering work in the community, said a release.
"I think it's fantastic for the kids here. You know, they're excited, they're a little bit nervous and it's good to be able to give these kids something … pay them back, if you will, for being good kids," said Sgt. Darrin Synott.
"We want to help them grow and we want to help them become good citizens."
Zachary Gaucher, 14, found out last month that his teacher had nominated him to participate in CopShop for doing such a great job in school.
"It's a very nice thing, actually," said Gaucher, who was able to pick up gifts for his mother, brother and sister, plus something for himself. "I just really enjoyed today."
- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Calgary has set aside $7.5M for this new $40M opera centre
- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Centre Street mural alive with clouds and rainbows thanks to augmented reality app
- Read more articles by CBC Calgary, like us on Facebook for updates and subscribe to our CBC Calgary newsletter for the day's news at a glance