News: Cops top charity goal

Published in the August 25 2010 issue of The Edmonton Sun. News


Cops top charity goal

The fuzz have been freed and they made more than $40,000 for charity in the process.

City cops and Special Olympians gathered at the west-end Wal-Mart over the weekend to raise money for Special Olympics Alberta.

“We beat our goal,” said Const. Amanda Trenchard.

Edmonton police Const. Ryan May and Alberta Sheriff Chris Zelko sat on top of a scaffolding platform in front of the store for 54 hours while shoppers were encouraged to help “free the fuzz” through donations.

The Edmonton event had aimed to raise at least $40,000, but the final tally totalled nearly $42,000.

Police displays, raffles and fundraising activities took place around the scaffolding while officers and Special Olympics athletes were on hand to take in donations from shoppers.

Trenchard said the fact that the event took place during a back-to-school shopping weekend really helped in donations.

‘A LOT OF PEOPLE’

“It’s back-to-school time so there was a lot of people in and around the store,” Trenchard said. “It’s a great time for exposure.”

All the money raised from the city event, along with similar events by law enforcement agencies across the province, goes directly to Special Olympics Alberta.

“It’s a big help,” said Jocelyn Plakas-Lock with Special Olympics Alberta.

“We wouldn’t exist without their (law enforcement agencies) support.”

Along with raising money and the Special Olympics profile, Trenchard said Free the Fuzz was a great opportunity for cops to connect with the public.

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