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Christmas wishes fulfilled during Cops and Kids Shopping Day (10 photos)

More than two dozen kids get a hand with their Christmas shopping courtesy of law enforcement during annual event

There was heavy police presence in the toy department of the Walmart on Great Northern Road Saturday morning, as police, corrections and border security officers took part in the Cops and Kids Shopping Day event.

Now in its 13th year, the event pairs more than two dozen children with law enforcement officials in order to go Christmas shopping.

The kids have a $100 limit (which is loosely enforced, as many officers routinely pay out-of-pocket if kids exceed their budget), and there’s pretty much only one rule made clear to them while embarking upon their shopping spree: Buy something for yourself.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Cnst. Fred Brown says that he brought the event to town after taking part in a similar event across the river in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

“13 years ago I was invited to a Cops and Kids event that was being held by the Fraternal Order of Police, where they had 40, 45 children shop,” Brown told SooToday. “I thought it was a great event, so I brought it to Canada, into Sault Ste. Marie that year, and it’s been growing ever since.”

Roaming through the aisles in the toy department, SooToday noticed copious amounts of excitement and wonder as kids picked out everything from plush unicorns to huge toy trucks.

Brown says that more and more law enforcement officials have been taking part throughout the years.

“I think it’s important not just for the children that are participating, but it’s also for the law enforcement that are participating,” Brown said. “My numbers have almost tripled, and I feel that the officers right now are enjoying the shopping with these children, and it makes them feel good.”

“It’s that time of year, and I hope they have a good time - just as much as the kids.”

The kids are given a police escort downtown following the shopping spree, where they are treated to free gift wrapping services and breakfast.


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James Hopkin

About the Author: James Hopkin

James Hopkin is a reporter for SooToday in Sault Ste. Marie
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