Food was being removed from the Sobeys grocery store in Portage la Prairie, and police cruiser lights were flashing in the parking lot, while the getaway cars were going to a bank for their next stop. Even the mayor was seen supporting the removal of the food.

But it was all for a good cause. RCMP Inspector Paul Peddle says it was Portage's first annual Cram the Cruiser for Christmas.

"The reaction was unbelievable," says Peddle. "We had a tremendous turnout there. We actually loaded two full police vehicles, including the back seats. The trunks were full of food and we had numerous money donations, as well, which we dropped off at the Salvation Army. And to see the smile on their face... we dropped all the food off. They were just in awe of how much donations we were able to bring there." 

Peddle says some people first thought that something else taking place.

"We actually had people thinking, when they saw the police lights, that there was something on the go at the store," continues Peddle. "But when they came in and we told them what we were doing, they were extremely glad to help out in any way they could. I think we spread the word around the community that this is going to be an annual event and the support that we got from the local public was just absolutely unbelievable. Everybody pitched in and we want to say a special thank-you to the public because, without them, this certainly wouldn't have been possible." 

He notes over $200 came in in cash donations along with the two cruisers full of food. 

"Hopefully, we can put a smile on a few people's faces over the holiday season. So again, I want to say thanks to our members and staff here at the detachment that helped to make this a tremendous success."

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