The 18th annual Charity Check Stop is set for Dec. 14 and the RCMP is hoping citizens will step up to set a new generosity record for this Christmas season.
“Due to the generosity of the community, the Charity Check Stop has proven to be increasingly more successful every year. Let's not make this year an exception,” said Innisfail RCMP Const. Chris Lavery.
Last year, the Charity Check Stop raised a record of more than $9,000 for local charities committed to helping out needy citizens and families at Christmastime. Lavery said the goal is to surpass last year's record total, which he believes is achievable as the event has increased in popularity.
“I just know we are there from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there is constant cars coming in,” said Lavery. “We rarely have a time when there is not one or two cars that have stopped.”
Lavery said the location of this year's Charity Check Stop will be the same as previous years, near the legion on 50th Street between 48th and 49th avenues.
Donations will be accepted from both eastbound and westbound traffic, said Lavery, adding motorists not wishing to donate may bypass the check stop without difficulty.
As an incentive, the Safety Bear will be part of the Check Stop to meet motorists and hand out candy canes.
Lavery said the Charity Check Stop will once again be accepting clothing, food, new and gently used toys, and cash. The charitable organizations this year will be the food bank, Christmas Bureau, Women's Outreach Society and Big Brothers and Sisters.
He said he expects the event will be well attended by local Mounties and other emergency services personnel.
“I do know whoever is working that day will stop by so there will be at least two or three police officers out there. Last year I was there all day. The staff sergeant was there pretty much most of the day,” said Lavery. “Last year we had many members from the Innisfail Fire Department, and many members from Guardian Ambulance came out to help as well. We invite them every year and every year they never let us down and they are always out there in large numbers.”
Anyone who wants to know more about the annual Charity Check Stop can contact Lavery at (403) 227-3342.
