Ottawa Police descended on Carlingwood Shopping Centre Wednesday for a very special call that's helping to spread Christmas cheer in the capital.
25 kids from four local west end schools were paired up with an officer to spend a $200 mall gift card as part of the as part of the annual "CopShop" Initiative. The one day event starts when the children are picked up from home or school in a police cruiser, before being treated to a pizza lunch and a shopping spree.
"It's a lot of fun and it gives us a chance to get to know the kids in the community that we police and it gives the chance for the kids to get to know us and to have some fun with us in the afternoon," said Cst. Linda Nethercott, one of the organizers.
The kids, grades 1 to 5, are chosen by their schools for a variety of reasons from outstanding volunteer work to high achievement.
"I'm shopping for pokemon cards and I'm buying stuff for my family," said Kaynan.
"Shoes and clothes," said 10-yaer-old Narkesha Figurira.
"I've never gotten to do this before. It's a once in a lifetime chance," said Gabby Nikoloff about being chosen for the initative."
Though shopping was a success, for many in attendance the day's highlight was meeting Santa.
"It was nice to see him. I like seeing Santa," said one little boy.
CopShop began in Halifax in 2005. It has now spread to cities across Canada.
