Brandon Police Service to assist 20 youth in purchasing gifts for their family & friends

Coppers Shoppers is a new program that pairs local police officers with community Youth for a fun day of holiday shopping. The program is being introduced in Brandon through the partnership of Brandon Crime Stoppers, Brandon Police Association, Brandon Police Service, Shoppers Mall and many other Community Sponsors.

During Coppers Shoppers, 20 Youth from the Brandon Community between the ages of 12 to 15 will receive a $200 Shoppers Mall Gift Card to purchase Christmas gifts for their family and friends. A member of the Brandon Police Service will accompany the Youth on their shopping trip to assist with selecting the perfect items, carrying the parcels and providing enjoyable company. When the shopping is complete, a Gift Wrap and Christmas Card station will be available to wrap up and address all the purchases made. This year’s Coppers Shoppers event will take place on December 1, 2018 at Shoppers Mall from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

“Coppers Shoppers is a brilliant program that will allow our officers to provide leadership to Youth at an influential time during their journey of life,” says Brandon Police Constable Grant McKay. “Our officers look forward to fun and festive elements of the event.”

“Brandon Crime Stoppers is excited to be involved with Coppers Shoppers, as it is such a feel good initiative that will have a life-long impact on the Youth in our Community, plus bring smiles to many faces on Christmas morning,” adds Rick Thomson, Brandon Crime Stoppers Board Chair.

The program is intended to capture the essence of the Christmas season and provide Youth in our community with a time of mentorship. Youth participants were selected based on their academic achievements, community service and school recommendation.

In addition to the $200 Shoppers Mall Gift Card sponsored by Brandon Crime Stoppers, Brandon Police Association and Brandon Police Service, the Youth will receive a swag bag filled with the following items from gracious local businesses and organizations:

• Pocket bac & holder – Bath & Body Works
• Pair of jeans – Bootlegger
• 2 Brandon Wheat Kings tickets – Brandon Wheat Kings
• Santa photo package – Cherry Hill Photo
• Christmas cards & assorted stocking stuffers – Coles
• Tea sachet & store coupon – DAVIDsTEA
• $10 East Side Mario’s gift certificate – East Side Mario’s
• Hair cut & style – Hair Today Mall Barbers
• Movie admission – Landmark Cinemas
• Toque – Manitoba Public Insurance
• Winter jacket – Sport Chek
• Soup & sandwich lunch – Tim Horton’s

“The more organizations that come together, the more expansive that Coppers Shoppers can be and the more benefits that our youth can receive” says Darren Creighton, Brandon Police Association President. “Brandon is such an amazing Community and this program demonstrates how easily local businesses or organizations are willing to come together for the greater good of others.”

“We’re delighted to support this great new community event with our partners at Brandon Crime Stoppers and the Brandon Police,” said Candace McKenzie, Shoppers Mall Marketing Director “We’re really looking forward to hosting the Coppers Shoppers event this weekend.”