Torch run an opportunity to dunk a cop for a good cause

By Lethbridge Herald on August 30, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) will be locked up and dunked on Sept. 5 and 6 at Rona+ to raise funds for Special Olympics Alberta as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).

This is the second year Rona+ has hosted the LETR Free our Finest with last year raising $8,600 and Stephanie Gulley, program coordinator for LETR says this year they have a goal of raising $10,000.

LETR is the largest grassroots organization fundraiser for Special Olympics programs which include training, equipment and allowing the athletes attend local, national and international games.

Many of the officers attending the event are involved with Special Olympics including Cst. Braylon Hyggen who is a basketball coach and Mathieu Champagne, detective sergeant for the Taber Police Service who is chair of the Southwest Alberta LETR.

Gulley says the relationship between the officers and the athletes goes both ways.

“The respect goes both ways and they really truly cherish each other and try to promote inclusion as much as possible in the community.”

Some of the events being held at the Free our Finest will include a dunk tank where participants can dunk an officer or athlete of their choosing, a barbeque and a chance to meet local Special Olympic Athletes.

While Free our Finest is the biggest fundraiser for the Special Olympics other notable ones throughout the year include the polar plunge, cops and pizza event held by Boston Pizza and the canine teddy bears purchased for the annual Hurricanes Teddy Toss.

Gulley says everyone is excited for the event and the opportunity for the community to get together.

“We’re excited for this event and to be able to chat with the community and show them that the law enforcement are the biggest support of Special Olympic athletes and to showcase that bond and mutual respect is pretty cool.”

The event will run Sept. 5-6 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Rona+ on Mayor Magrath Drive South.