Normally they might be handing out tickets or on patrol. It isn’t often police officers act as personal shoppers – but that is exactly what happened at the first ever CopShop in Regina.
Twenty officers came off patrol to partner with Regina’s inner-city kids at the Cornwall Centre.
Each child received a lunch, a $200 gift card donated by the Cornwall Centre, a stocking filled with personalized items, time with Santa and a new winter coat provided by Sears.
Constable Jim Monaghan hopes it gives them the chance to see the officers in a whole new light.
“It is neat to see the kids go out shopping like this when they might not normally,” Monaghan said.
Monaghan was partnered with 11-year-old Tallon Quewezance, who bought a new computer game and handheld system, “I want a Yo-kai Watch, it is like a spirit”.
The 20 kids were chosen by the police chief based on financial need and achievement.
CopShop takes place every year in most of Canada’s biggest cities.