Police out in full holiday swing with community events and fundraisers

Officers across the east region are out in full force with multiple holiday events and fundraisers this month.

Over the weekend Upper Ottawa Valley Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) held its annual Stuff a Cruiser event to collect money, food and toys for those in need in the community. Auxiliary officers were at Walmart, Metro, Giant Tiger, No Frills and Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer.

Police said in a press release they raised over $5,900 for local food banks. Thousands of dollars in toys and food were also donated, with the gifts for children going right to the local Kiwanis Club Toy Drive and nonperishables going to St. Joseph’s Food Bank in Pembroke and the Petawawa Food Bank.

“Without this support the event could not take place,” officials said.

The Lanark detachment planned a Shop with a Cop event in Perth and Almonte, during which officers paired up with residents in local care homes. They brought the older adults out for the afternoon for some Christmas shopping.

In Carleton Place, a Lanark officer was at Walmart assisting the Salvation Army with its red kettle campaign.

Out past Ottawa’s east end, the Hawkesbury detachment was at the Rotary Club and Vankleek Hill Lions Club earlier this month. The event raised $3,076 for the food bank and holiday drive.

On top of all the events, officers are still out doing their job ensuring no one steals anyone’s holiday joy.

The Frontenac OPP made sure to arrest an individual who was disrupting the Santa Claus Parade in Sharbot Lake.

The Grinch, 60s, was charged with attempted theft of Christmas.

By Natasha O’Neill, CityNews Everywhere