PHOTOS: Kids get police escorts … to holiday shopping
20th annual CopShop sees officers help young people spend holiday cash
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Brad Murray (left) and Jeff Nicholson (right) were two of the many HRP officers who were festively dressed for the event.Halifax Shopping Centre was filled with law enforcement Wednesday — a parade of dark blue vests labelled Police among a sea of shoppers.
They came armed, this time with $200 gift cards. Many also had a shopping bag, a Santa hat or reindeer antlers.
The 20th annual CopShop had officers trading in policing for shopping duties. They went store to store with their young partners looking for toys, clothes, candy and other goodies.
The officers were helping local children shop for themselves and their loved ones.
The event had a high turnout, with more than 50 youths — and just as many Halifax Regional Police officers — participating. Halifax Shopping Centre had given the pairs a $200 gift card to any store in the mall, meaning most young people hit multiple stores.
Along with the gift card, the kids were also given a new winter coat from SportChek.
CopShop began back in 2005 and, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, has been an annual event at the shopping centre during the holiday season.
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Kids were given a new winter coat. The coats were organized into genders and sizes so each kid would get the coat they wanted.
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Officers were paired up with children to become their personal shoppers for the day.Officer Renju John points out items to his shopping buddy.
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Teams were given a budget of $200 to any store in the mall.
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Chris Marinelli and his shopping partner pose with a new sled.
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Officer Sandy Johnson and her partner wore matching reindeer antlers.
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Kenny O’Brien was on the hunt for Nike and Jordan brand clothing for his shopping buddy.
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Eric Manley and his partner left this store with an arm load of stuffed animals.About the author
Jack Sponagle
Jack Sponagle is from Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. He is in the bachelor of journalism program at King's focusing on sports journalism.
