‘Free Our Finest’ fundraiser supports Special Olympics
By Lethbridge Herald on August 27, 2022.
Herald photo by Al Beeber
Matt Burton of the Alberta Sheriffs talks to shoppers at the northside Walmart Friday during a two-day fundraiser for the Alberta Special Olympics.Al Beeber – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – abeeber@lethbridgeherald.com
A two-day event is raising funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics.
Area law enforcement agencies Friday and today are staging the “Free Our Finest” event at the northside Walmart.
Matt Burton of the Alberta Sheriffs said organizers hope to raise between $5,000 and $7,000 for the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics initiative.
The event has members of various area law enforcement agencies on scaffolding looking for donations.
High above the ground, Burton in late morning was chatting with store visitors and talking about Special Olympics.
Lethbridge Police Service Constable Braylon Hyggen along with dogs Myke and Bridge is also doing some demonstrations.
With the pandemic shutting down the majority of events, law enforcement is again gearing up with its fundraising efforts. Earlier this year, the annual Polar Plunge was staged for the Special Olympics effort.
“We’re going to have members from various different agencies” on hand, said Burton.
Participants are hoping to make it a fun event.
“We need to get our athletes out because for two years with the pandemic, our athletes haven’t been able to compete nearly as much as they used to. So now we’re going to get them back out here. You’re going to see athletes out here, helping us out,” and some will be highlighted each shift including one bocce player who may qualify for the 2023 World Games in Munich, Germany, said Burton.
“That’s a huge feather in our cap for Special Olympics in Lethbridge and Special Olympics Alberta that we’re able to send athletes to international competitions,” added Burton.
Anny Chenard, chair of Special Olympics Lethbridge organization, says the group has enjoyed a long and valuable relationship with the LETR.
“For us it’s huge because it gives us community access. We book our programs with the City of Lethbridge, we have some churches that donate, said Chenard, pointing out that the LDS churches let Special Olympics use their ball diamonds.
“The LETR help us with uniforms and they help us with so much extra for travelling. It’s a huge honour for us to be working with LETR,” she said.
“With LETR we try to do at least three or four events a year” she added.
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