We are getting closer and closer to closing out the year 2021, although some of us seem stuck in 2020... it's time to look back at the year that was and what's coming up in 2022.

Citizens on Patrol Portage (COPP) representative, Rose, goes through how 2020 was for the program.

"Well, it was a little slower, of course, because of COVID, but we were still able to get out patrolling every month."

She carries on to highlight what the club missed out on this year.

"We weren't allowed to do any of our fundraisers, which was a big deal for us. It probably resulted in about $7000 that didn't go back into the community, which was very sad, but we're sure hoping that we can do that in 2022."

Rose continues to share what struggles COVID brought in 2021.

"The rules and restrictions made it hard because we have to patrol with two people in the vehicle. So, unless you were from the same household, it was very hard to be able to get people out to patrol, but we were able to do it every month."

Things have been picking up for the program again, says Rose.

"We are starting to get very busy now with some residential checks. This is for people that are going to be away for any length of time in the winter, mostly snowbirds. We will do a check-in on their property from the road. It's a very popular service that is absolutely free to the public."

To get COPP to do a residential check on your house, all you have to do is register with the RCMP.

Looking ahead, Rose says that COPP aims to hold some of its regular events moving forward.

"We're hoping that we can have our golf tournament in September; this is always a very big deal for us." She adds. "In the last few years, we haven't been able to have it in 2020 or 2021, and in previous years we were able to raise about $6000 for ROC (Recreation Opportunities for Kids.) And in the spring, we have a community barbeque that we hold in conjunction with the River Rd Gas Bar, where we usually raise anywhere from $750-$1000 for Youth for Christ, so we're sure hoping that we can get back to that in 2022."

Lastly, Rose shares a message directed at the community of Portage.

"On behalf of the Executive and Chairman, I'd like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Portage citizens on patrol."