Instead of serving justice, some Red Deer law enforcement officers are serving pancakes this weekend.
The annual Cops and Crepes event began Saturday at Cora Breakfast and Lunch restaurant in north Red Deer.
Officers, Special Olympics athletes and other volunteers waited on tables during the two-day event, which raises money and awareness for Special Olympics Alberta.
“Events like this helps raise funds to help with (athletes’) coaching, travel costs, equipment, uniforms and pretty much anything else that’s needed,” said corrections officer Korey Cleland.
The money raised at the event stays in central Alberta to support the 300 or so local Special Olympics athletes – there are 3,000 athletes provincewide.
Cleland, who has been the Cops and Crepes lead organizer for the past three years, said he loves event.
“I’m born and raised in Red Deer and I’m lucky to have a good job with Alberta Corrections. I like to give back to my community and it’s truly a great cause.
“I want to give until it hurts – I’ll give as much time as I possibly can … it’s one of my passions,” Cleland said, adding the event typically raises about $5,000.
Cops and Crepes is an official fundraising event for Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Kevin Duval, chairman for the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s central Alberta committee and a member of the provincial operations committee, said fundraising events like Cops and Crepes help with the advancement of Special Olympics Alberta athletes.
“Special Olympics is a rewarding atmosphere for these athletes to get into,” said Duval.
“It’s their way of improving themselves, developing friendships and enriching their lives. We do everything we can to help them and ultimately make their lives better.”
Cops and Crepes continues at Cora on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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