'A chance for us to do something good': EPS officers buy Christmas gifts for Edmonton kids
Edmonton Police Service officers were scouring Londonderry Mall Wednesday in search of Christmas gifts for local elementary students.
Members of EPS served as personal shoppers for students from two northeast Edmonton schools after receiving Christmas wish lists for 20 children. The kids range in age from five-years-old to nine-years-old.
"This is a chance for us to do something good. To do something for the kids and to be seen in a good light. So do I enjoy it? Absolutely," said Sgt. Shelby Cech.
Londonderry Mall offered up $4,000 in gift cards for the officers to spend as part of their CopShop event.
"A lot of these children wouldn't have the same type of Christmas, a lot of them wouldn't even get gifts," said Vanessa Treleaven from Londonderry Mall. "This helps to create that great experience."
The event helps to foster a positive relationship between EPS members and children who have had negative experiences with police in the past, said Treleaven.
The kids can put whatever they want on their wish list, and many don't just ask for toys.
"Actually a lot of kids want gifts for family members, so that's the overwhelming thing we're seeing is a lot of generosity with this gift card," said Treleaven.
EPS says the response from its members was overwhelming, with some officers coming in on their day off to participate.
"I think they're having a lot of fun with it, I mean it's so different from their regular duties. They're in a good mood. They're super happy to be here," said Treleaven.
In past years, the students chosen would accompany officers on the shopping spree.
The event had to be modified because of the pandemic. This year officers shopped alone and then delivered the presents to the schools.
"It's a chance for us to make contact in a different way, and for them to see us as community partners and friends. So that's going to be a great part," said Cech.
Last year the event was cancelled due to COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.