Holiday Heroes helped make “Shop with a Cop” a success in Cobourg on Friday, December 20, 2019.
The program was started three years ago by Cobourg Police Constable Danielle McKeen with eight children involved.
This year, uniformed officers, special constables, and auxiliaries partnered with 13 children between the ages of five and 15-years-old, selected from the community and helped them shop for Christmas gifts for their family members as well as something special for themselves.
The children were driven up to Walmart in police vehicles to start their $200 shopping spree for each person.
McKeen said the event provides a fun filled day for the youth in Cobourg while creating positive relationships with law enforcement.
After the shopping spree, members of the Cobourg Police Service joined with Walmart staff for an impromptu version of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
After it was off to the Cobourg Police station to have a pizza supper, wrap their gifts and spend time getting to know the officers.
“One of the main points of doing this is to build better relationships with some of the youths in the community,” said McKeen.
“If they do need to reach out to us in the future, they’re not afraid and it helps break down some of the barriers between the police and young people.”
McKeen also adds, “it’s just so fun to hang out with them and see the smiles on their faces.”
While at Walmart, one person asked police about the program. He was so touched by the program he donated over $110.00 worth of toys and gave the receipt to police in case they wanted to exchange any of the toys. Police say they were extremely touched by the generosity of the person.
Participating youth have been selected by police, local schools, and a local community social service agency. Children have been sponsored by several generous community Holiday Hero organizations including Baltimore ESSO, Friends of Grafton Sports and Activities, JJ’s Steak and Burgers, Cobourg Nissan, Hoover’s Home Energy Inc., Baker’s Cleaners, Cobourg Buy & Sell, Cobourg Police Association, and Symon’s Auto Sales, members of the Cobourg Police Service, as well as four generous individuals from the community.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
