Red Deerians were able to support the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre without having to step out of their vehicle.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the two local organizations hosted the annual Charity Checkstop along Taylor Drive, between 32 Street and 43 Street. Interested donors were able to drive right up to the checkstop, make their donations and drive away from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Financial donations made during the event went towards the Crime Prevention Centre and its programs, which includes graffiti cleaning and the crime prevention presentations. Donations of coats and other winter items were being accepted for the Christmas Bureau's Coats for Kids campaign.
"It's really great to see the support from the community. The coats are definitely needed," said Denise Rambow, programs and services co-ordinator at the Crime Prevention Centre.
People still have the chance to donate coats for children and adults, as well as winter items like mitts, gloves, toques, scarves and ski pants. There are several drop-off locations throughout the City of Red Deer — to see the full list of these locations, visit www.reddeerchristmasbureau.com. Donations will be accepted until Oct. 18.
The donated winter items will be dry-cleaned and distributed to clients in need at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14-18 and Oct. 21-25. All clients, including children, will need to provide Alberta Health Care cards. Parents will also be required to provide proof of address (clients must be from Red Deer, Red Deer County, Penhold or Springbrook).
Last year's campaign resulted in the collection of 666 winter coats, 159 summer coats, 94 snow pants, 892 scarves, mitts and toques, and 20 pairs of boots. All of these items were given away and the bureau wasn't able to accommodate for all of the items needed because demand was so high.
For more information, people can contact the Red Deer Christmas Bureau at 403-347-2210.
The Charity Checkstop is one of the Crime Prevention Centre's biggest fundraisers of the year, Rambow added.
"The Crime Prevention Centre helps people become proactive and avoid being a victim of property crime. We do a lot of fraud and scam education as well," she said.
For more information on the centre, visit www.cacpc.ca.
