Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) for Portage la Prairie presented a cheque Tuesday to Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Plains (BBBS) and the Family Resource Centre. The presentation was made at the RCMP detachment in town, as COPP also celebrated the RCMP's 150th Anniversary. 

BBBS executive Director Dawn Froese says they received $2,800.

"That will go into the Create Or Play fund to help low-income children register for sports, art, and dance," says Froese. "It's great because we've got parents who phone for their kids, and saying, 'We're not able to do this. Our kids want to play volleyball, but they can't, and they can't afford the registration or the equipment.' Hey, we can help you!."

She notes at the bottom of all of their letters, they display the note that the supplies were provided by COPP in Portage, and it's a perfect partnership. 

Bev is the chairperson for the Golf Committee with COPP and notes they spearhead the tournament, with all the funds going to BBBS and the Family Resource Centre. 

Cheque presentationCheque Presentation

"They've created a program for us and all the money keeps the children occupied," says Bev. "

We as Citizens On Patrol tour around the city helping to be an extra set of eyes and ears for the RCMP. This gives the children other examples of what they can do, rather than walk in the streets and get involved with, maybe, the wrong."

She explains it allows them to learn team-building, and helps them become aware of other things in which they could invest their time.

"This started in 2006 with the RCMP," adds Bev. "In 2008, the Citizens On Patrol Program joined in to help spearhead it since then, except for the little break with COVID. We have now donated over $70,000 to invest in the youth of our community."

 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.