HALIFAX – Police officers have a lot of roles and duties, but it’s certainly not every day they become personal shoppers.
On Wednesday, though, they put their patrolling on hold and were partnered up with 50 deserving children for the 11th annual Cop Shop.
Each child was armed with a $200 gift card for the Halifax Shopping Centre. They also received a new winter coat from Sport Chek and a stocking full of goodies from Santa.
It’s a day volunteers from the mall and police department look forward to all year long.
“It’s such a great opportunity to see the kids partner with police officers and really see their personalities develop,” said Stephanie Schnare, the marketing director of the shopping centre.
“They start off a little timid and shy and by the end of the day, they’re just bouncing off all the walls and so excited, telling stories to the police officers. It’s just an amazing opportunity to see the police officers connect with the kids.”
Participants were chosen based on community involvement, academic achievement and financial need.
READ MORE: Halifax police join kids for holiday shopping spree
Quin Fraser, 7, was partnered with Cst. Ahmed El-Shair and Heidi Feeney, an administrative assistant in the police force’s training section.
Quin’s first stop was the electronics store to get himself a Game Boy. Then, his attention turned to his five siblings.
“She likes pencil drawings so I could get her this drawing kit!” he exclaimed after pulling out a pencil crayon kit from a display.
He then perused the toy aisles for dolls and doll houses.
“He got one gift for himself, it was the one thing he wanted and now his main goal is to find things for his siblings. He’s very concerned about his younger sisters and making sure they have the perfect gift.”
Quin and his two new shopping buddies held hands as they made their way through the mall, carefully checking Quin’s list and making sure they were within budget.
“If I can come in on my day off and give my time to give back to them and just get what they want for Christmas, it makes my day. That’s why we’re here today,” said El-Shair.
That lesson about giving back is something Cop Shop organizers want to make sure all the children experience. That’s why each child received an extra $10 gift card to buy a toy for a stranger.
“Those toys will be gathered up at the end of the day and then brought down to the Salvation Army,” said Schnare.
“We’re just encouraging these children to again pay it forward when something great happens to you, give back to the community.”
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