Ottawa Police ‘CopShop’ event unfurls Christmas spirit
25 kids, from Grades 1 to 5, were selected by the participating schools from west end for their outstanding volunteer work.
These kids were paired up with an officer to spend a $200 mall gift card as part of the annual "CopShop" Initiative.
The one day event started from the time the children were picked up from home or school in a police cruiser, and then being treated to a pizza lunch and shopping.
"It's a lot of fun and it gives us a chance to get to know the kids in the community that we police and it gives the chance for the kids to get to know us and to have some fun with us in the afternoon," said Cst. Linda Nethercott, one of the organizers to CTV news.
"I'm shopping for pokemon cards and I'm buying stuff for my family," said Kaynan.
For 10-year-old, Narkesha Figurira, it was "Shoes and clothes.”
"I've never gotten to do this before. It's a once in a lifetime chance," said Gabby Nikoloff about being chosen for the initiative."
Shopping had its own attraction with the kids, but the highlight of the day was meeting Santa.
"It was nice to see him. I like seeing Santa," said one little boy.
CopShop initiative began in Halifax in 2005, but soon spread to other cities across Canada.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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