For 17 years, the annual Shop With a Cop event at Marlborough Mall has connected junior high youth with District 4 officers in order to build positive relationships between the community and the police.
The aim is to make what is for many of the students is their first time interacting with police officers, a positive experience that emphasizes shared humanity.
“Lots of what we’re hearing from the community recently is that they want to see us building those relationships with youth, but not in the execution of our regular duties—not just as a school resource officer doing a lockdown, or something that is our duty,” said Senior Constable Tracy Renaud.
“They want us to see us doing something outside, playing basketball, coaching a team. This is an example of that, spending time just walking around the mall shopping and then having lunch together.”
A total of 27 students from nine area junior highs were selected to participate in the event, which saw them given $200 to spend at Marlborough Mall retailers along with a swag bag of merchandise, an opportunity to have a picture taken with Santa, and then lunch with their officer for the day at A&W.
Const. Renaud said that schools chose who would get to take part, selecting students with high academic performance, volunteerism, and community leadership.
“We ask them to pick three students in grade nine, who are just persevering no matter what is happening in their life. They’re persevering, and they’re achieving a high level of being a very good community steward,” Renaud said.
“Just yesterday, one of the teachers called about one of the girls chosen for today. Her sister had been chosen last year, and when she got called into the office and found out she was chosen this year, she dropped to her knees and said ‘I can’t believe this is happening again.'”
This year was also the first that had Calgary Police Service Youth Foundation participation.
Nigel Humbke, Campaign and Events Manager for the foundation, said that they were glad to help support the event and to provide some of the funding towards the shopping experience.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that our programming has on children and youth in the community, and leading them on to a brighter path,” he said.
Superintendent Cliff O’Brien said that Shop With a Cop has had lasting impacts beyond those made on students. Speaking to those same students, he said that their interactions often leave lasting impressions on the police officers they were paired with.
“We’re excited to be here and we’re excited to shop with you. I got to tell you that each year we’re really blown away by the students that we meet.”
Students selected continue the tradition of selflessness
For many of the students, year after year, the $200 represented an opportunity to buy holiday gifts for their parents, family, and for friends.
“We see it every year, these students get picked and we tell them to spend the money on themselves because they deserve it, it’s a reward. So many times they spend it on buying presents for their family… it’s really heartwarming.”
Joshua Leart, a ninth grader from Ian Bazalgette School, said that he was selected to participate because of his academic performance this year and community leadership alongside fellow student Solange Uwineza.
“We’re respectful people, we’re just decent human beings to each other. I was very excited of course. Happy to be selected,” Leart said.
“I want to be remembered by others around here. I just want to make a good memory for other people and a great impression on others.”
Uwineza and Leart were paired with Constable Hillary Jennings, who said she was excited to join with the pair.
“We met actually prior to my name being called, so I was super excited when I saw that. I got to sit with these two and now we’re gonna go shopping and have a good time,” Jennings said.
Both students said they would be shopping mainly for family and friends, although Leart joked that he would be getting something special during the morning—which turned out to be a silver ring for his girlfriend.
