INNISFAIL - Local Mounties are in the final preparations for their 23rd Annual Innisfail Charity Check Stop.
The annual charity check stop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. The event will be easy to spot, as Mounties, with lots of red and blue lights flashing, will be on Main Street between 48th and 49th avenues enthusiastically ready to accept donations for those who need a helping hand for the Christmas season.
Last year for the 22nd annual charity check stop, hundreds of toys, pieces of clothing and 900 pounds of food items were collected for the Innisfail Christmas Bureau, Women’s Outreach Centre in Red Deer and the Innisfail and District Food Bank. As well, close to $12,000 in cash was raised for citizens in need.
"People from Innisfail and the area have always been very generous and we are looking forward to it this year. I am amazed at their generosity," said Innisfail Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk, who noted this year's charity check stop is supporting the seasonal efforts of the Christmas Bureau, food bank and Women’s Outreach Centre.
He said about half the detachment participates in the organizing and planning of the event. He said on Charity Check Stop day there will be at least five RCMP members helping out, with additional support from Innisfail Victim Services volunteers and members of the Innisfail Fire Department and Innisfail Restorative Justice Society.
"Times are a little tough right now for a lot of people so I am sure any donations will really help," he added. "Due to the generosity of the community, the Charity Check Stop has proven to be increasingly more successful every year. Let's continue to build on this success."
Last month, the Penhold Charity Check Stop collected more than $1,700 in cash donations to help Penhold families this holiday season.
For more information on this year's Innisfail Charity Check Stop call the Innisfail RCMP detachment or Const. Craig Nelson at 403-227-3342.
