By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 26, 2024.
The Lethbridge Police Service on discussed the fifth annual Charity Checkstop it will be hosting soon.
This charity event will happen Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Park Place mall. There will be a collection of new and unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items and monetary donations at the mall’s west parking lot in support of local Christmas Hope initiatives.
Michelle Gallucci of Lethbridge Family Services, one of the many partners of Christmas Hope, was present to remind us why these initiatives are important to the Lethbridge Community.
“When we’re children, we hold onto that unshakeable belief that is the magic of Christmas, and as we grow older that belief shifts. But what remains is something powerful and that’s hope. That’s why we call ourselves Christmas Hope.”
Christmas Hope consists of several organizations including Volunteer Lethbridge, two food banks and three gift-giving organizations. The expectations of this initiative is to serve 6,500 children.
Angel Tree has bundled 2,000 gifts thus far and has 2,300 left to bundle. The Salvation Army will get up to 500 children and my City Care, 1,200 to 1,300. During the COVID pandemic there were 7,000 children served at the Checkstop, and LPS are hopeful that these numbers can be reached, again.
Donald Realini, Youth Engagement Officer and Acting Sergeant, spoke on the benefits of partnerships, as this is an important and key aspect of being a city police officer.
This initiative has grown quite a bit since it started, and last year represented some of their biggest donations, he said.
Realini in response to a question about the LPS presence at the checkstop said “We’re going to have quite a few out, you know, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a lighthearted affair. This brings out the best in everyone, this kind of season, and we’re looking to encourage everyone to come out to contribute, to donate, and we’ll be really excited to see everyone see the best that Lethbridge has to offer”.
Regardless of the cold weather that may be present this weekend, LPS encourage folks to stay in their vehicles to warm up, and to enjoy the hot chocolate and hot drinks that will be available.
This initiative is meant for the community to come and get to know Lethbridge Police Service.
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