HALIFAX – The ninth annual Cop Shop event took place Wednesday at the Halifax Shopping Centre, where 50 underprivileged children were each paired with police officers and given a $200 gift card to spend at the mall.
While most shoppers rushing around trying to prepare for the holidays, Scott Roberts is savouring the moment.
“I’m shopping all day! I’m so excited,” said the 8-year-old Roberts.
The mall says its retailers look forward to the event.
“It’s such a unique experience for the children and the police officers to be able to form such amazing friendships”
Besides the gift card, each child also had a personal shopper — an officer from the Halifax Regional Police — to help them.
“It’s such a unique experience for the children and the police officers to be able to interact, to go shopping together, form such amazing friendships,” said Guilfoyle.
Sgt. Mark Hobeck has participated in the event nearly every year since it began.
“I love it,” he said. “For me, one of the best parts of this job is to come out and spend some time with a child and take them shopping, and really get into the Christmas spirit.”
Roberts came prepared with a shopping list, hoping to find some gifts for his siblings and grandfather.
“I want this cool Hot Wheels car that I’ve wanted my whole life,” he said.
Each child also received a new winter coat to help them get ready for the cold weather ahead.
This year, the children got a chance to pay their good fortune forward. They each received a $10 gift card from the mall to purchase a present for another child.
“We’re gonna go shopping and buy a present for somebody else,” said Hobeck. “It’s an opportunity for us to give to someone else as well.”
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