INNISFAIL – Coming off a record year in 2021 for public generosity for its milestone 25th Annual Charity Check Stop, the Innisfail RCMP is gearing up for the follow-up next month.
Last week Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson announced the 26th annual event is going ahead on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Once again, the local tradition, one of the few law enforcement holiday season charity check stops remaining in the province, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street between 48th and 49th Avenues.
While driving through the charity check stop citizens can donate food, gently used toys and clothes, or money towards helping fellow citizens in need through the holiday season.
“We recognize of course with inflation and all that other stuff that's been going on that the times are still very, very tough for people, and we're seeing that quite a bit,” said Nelson. “At the end of the day we don't really have any expectations.
“We just want people to have the opportunity to help each other out, and if they're able to then that's great. If they're not, we understand because it's been a tough couple of years for a lot of people for sure.”
In 2021, the total cash donations of $17,181.05 was more than $3,000 above the previous high for community generosity.
The $17,181.05 was donated equally to the event’s four beneficiary agencies, including the Innisfail and District Food Bank, Innisfail Christmas Bureau, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and the Innisfail Youth Positive Assets Coalition.
The 25th annual check stop also raised two truck loads of high-quality toys and new clothing that were handed over to the Innisfail Christmas Bureau for distribution to Innisfailians during last year’s Christmas season.
The check stop also took in 649 pounds of food for the local food bank.
Nelson said this year’s beneficiaries from the Innisfail RCMP Charity Check Stop will one again be the same four groups from 2021.
He said the RCMP will also have plenty of help on Dec. 3, including firefighters from the Innisfail Fire Department, Correctional Service of Canada staff from Bowden Institution, community peace officers from the Town of Innisfail, and emergency medical service staff from Medavie Health Services West.
“We will see if we can get the police dog services as well from across the highway to come out and assist us with the volunteering,” said Nelson. “We expect to have some music and to have a Safety Bear and hopefully maybe Santa Claus might make an appearance.”
For citizens who have any questions on this year’s planned charity check stop, or wish to contribute in any way, he or she can call Nelson at the Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3342.
