Annual Cops & Kids pairs officers with students for Cornwall Centre shopping spree

Acting Regina police chief Lorilee Davies helps a student go Christmas shopping at Cornwall Centre. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)

The ninth annual Cops & Kids event joined the holiday spirit at the Cornwall Centre on Wednesday.

The program is a partnership between the Cornwall Centre and the Regina Police Service (RPS), which pairs students with officers for a holiday shopping spree.

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Students are chosen based on need, academic success, athletic accomplishment, and volunteerism. The children enjoyed a limousine ride to the mall, plus a fun day away from their classrooms.

Lorilee Davies, acting police chief with RPS, said the event is a positive way to spread Christmas cheer and build relationships with the community.

“It’s important for kids in our community to know that a police officer is just a person. You can trust them. You can come to them for help, and somebody that you can trust in times of need, or in good times. It’s someone that you can trust and rely upon, and so this is just a fantastic space to create that,” she explained.

In addition to buying Christmas gifts for family and friends, students were also able to purchase a warm winter coat and boots for themselves.