Why these cops and kids are all smiles (15 photos)

There was a big commotion this morning downtown at the Quality Inn.

A number of law enforcement vehicles and officers responded, including the Sault Police Service's Ballistic Armoured Tactical Transport (BATT) vehicle.

The 9th annual Cops and Kids Christmas shopping event was the cause of the raucous, a program that pairs area children in need with an officer who accompanies them to Walmart to purchase family Christmas gifts.

After the shopping is done, the cops and kids head to the Quality Inn to have their purchases wrapped and enjoy a healthy hot breakfast provided by Gliss Restaurant.

Constable Fred Brown, event coordinator, told SooToday 26 children were selected to take part in this year’s initiative.

That’s a bit above the average participation, he said, but it’s not due to the current economic climate.

Rather, Brown feels broader awareness of the program has increased demand.

“Now that the schools and the Children’s Aid Society and church groups know that we do this once a year, I’m getting more phone calls and more concern for the families that use this program,” he explained.

This year’s participating organizations included the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, OPP Sault Detachment, the Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police, Sault College Police Foundations students, the Saginaw Police Department, Bridgeport Township Police, and Canada Border Services Agency.

“The big thing about this program is how the police officers react when they have the children shopping with them. It goes to show that we’re not just a uniform, we’re actually human and I think some people miss that,” Brown said. “This is a great moment during the holiday season when we’re making a huge difference for the City of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area.”

All the officers donate their time to the cause, and will often go out-of-pocket should the gift purchase amount exceed the allotted $100 per child budget, he said.

Cops and Kids is generously supported by Gliss Restaurant and the Quality Inn, Walmart offers the program a shopping discount, and Fountain Tire supports the initiative financially and provides volunteers to assist in wrapping the presents.

The Police Services Board, Police Association, and Fraternal Order of Police also donate to the program.