RCMP officials were optimistic Sunday that they would be close to matching their donation totals to a couple of years ago in their annual Charity Checkstop which ran Saturday.
“We should be close to what it was two years ago and it was an excellent day for it,” Cpl. Kathe DeHeer of Red Deer city RCMP said.
Last year’s drive was cancelled because of bitterly cold weather.
Two years ago the Mounties and their many partners raised more than $22,000 in cash as well as a truck load of rood and two truck loads of toys.
The Checkstop just north of the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Taylor Drive ran in clear, sunny weather with the temperature around minus 11C.
The Mounties were assisted by Alberta Sheriffs Department, MADD Canada, the Christmas Bureau, Red Deer Food Bank, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Safe Communities, AMA and others.
The collection of scarves, mitts and hats was new this year.
The Red Deer Food Bank and Christmas Bureau and Women’s Outreach will be the major recipients of donated items.
Const. Chris Kosack said Saturday the stop had collected more than $10,000 by about 2 p.m. and a truck load of goods.
“The people have been just great. Many people are stopping and didn’t even know about it until they got in line,” Kosack said.
Marilyn Johnson of Calgary stopped to drop off a few dollars on her way back home.
“Giving a little back is a good way to go into the holidays when we should be thankful for all we have and think of others who may not be so fortunate.
“I’m from Calgary but charity doesn’t really know borders does it?”
Johnson said she will also support the Calgary Christmas Bureau and the Salvation Army this season.
Dan Hincliffe of Red Deer was on his way to shop at a south Red Deer mall when he noticed the stop.
“I was on my way to spend money on gifts but this is a sort of gift too I guess,” he said after dropping some money off.
“If you can’t spare a few bucks at this time of year then it’s not really the spirit of Christmas when you are shopping for friends and family. This way maybe some other family will have a little extra this year,” Hincliffe said.
Red Deer firefighters were also stepping up for charity on Saturday.
The firemedics exercised on the spot packing a 15-kg oxygen tank on their backs
They climbed a stair machine at Bower Place Shopping Centre taking pledges for the Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity.
The annual Stuff A Bus drive sponsored by KG and Z-99 Radio stations raised tons of food, cash and toys for the Red Deer Food Bank and Red Deer Christmas Bureau.
The booty was handled inside the Parkland Mall and was set to be packed into two waiting yellow Prairie Bus Lines school buses parked outside. The drive started Thursday.
Two other Charity Checkstops are set for this Saturday in Sylvan Lake and Innisfail.
Both run between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In Innisfail, RCMP members and volunteers, as well as lots of flashing read and blue lights, will be set up on 50th Street, between 48th and 49th Avenues.
Vehicles not wishing to donate may proceed through without any difficulty.
The Checkstop will accept clothing, food, new and gently used toys and cash.
The Innisfail charitable organizations will be the Food Bank, Christmas Bureau, Women’s Outreach Society and Big Brothers and Sisters.
In Sylvan Lake, Sgt. Duncan Babchuk said the stop will be on 47th Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. near Hewlett Park.
RCMP will be joined by Alberta Sheriffs Department volunteers, Sylvan Lake Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.
Donations of food, cash, toys and clothes will be accepted.
The Sylvan Lake Food Bank and Christmas Bureau are the two main designated charities which then distribute donated items to all the communities served by Sylvan Lake RCMP.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com