Brantford Police Service launches Shop With a Cop program
Brantford Police and local businesses brought Christmas joy and the spirit of giving to 10 local school children on Thursday morning.
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Shop With a Cop is a new initiative that Brantford Police Service’s elementary school resource coordinator Kathryn Grattan hopes will become an annual event.
“We reached out to 10 of our elementary schools and asked the principals to choose one student who faces adversity but still comes to school with a positive attitude,” Gratton explained.
Local businesses donated $300 per student that paid for a pre-paid VISA card, while items such as a smart watch from Canadian Tire, wireless earphones from Best Buy, personal hygiene kits from Shoppers Drug Mart, backpacks and sweaters from Adidas, and backpacks from the Brantford Bulldogs were put into a Christmas stocking for each child to take home. Additionally, Specsavers donated a pair of prescription glasses for each child if needed, or sunglasses instead.
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A school bus picked up the children and brought them to Lynden Park Mall where they were paired with an off-duty Brantford Police Service officer, sat down for breakfast, created a budget, and went over their shopping list.
Nine-year-old Sophia Francis went over her list with Const. Maddie McDonald. Items on her list included gifts for her father and stepmom.
“I’m planning to get Cinnamon Roll, a dog who is all white, with blue eyes and pink cheeks but doesn’t have a mouth,” Sophia explained of an item she’d like to purchase for herself.
“I think it’s great being able to connect with the community and give kids the opportunity to experience something different and give back to their families as well,” McDonald observed. “I’m happy to be a part of it and to make a new friend.”
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Const. Tyler Sayles looked over a list with 12-year-old Jakob Lenteigne, who said he “was very happy” to be chosen to take part in the event.
Jakob listed a Wilson basketball, NBA-logo sweatsuit, and Pokémon cards among items he’d like to purchase for himself.
“We have a huge plan,” Sayles shared. “We’ve got a wish list here, and Jakob has picked out some stuff for his sister as well for Christmas. He seems to be very thoughtful in his thinking.
“He has his family here, and he’s even put down something for (his) police officer. We have a bunch of stores we’re going to go to, so it will be fun.”
Santa Claus was to have paid a special visit to be photographed with each child, and Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse provided a free lunch before the children were returned to school with their gifts, wrapped by Brantford Police personnel.
“The idea is for them to take pride in being able to buy something for their family members and loved ones, and the excitement of being able to give someone a gift,” Grattan said. “We are hoping to do it annually. This year is a trial run to see how we can make it happen.”
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