Cpl. Steve Bell and S/Sgt. Ryan How show off the truck packed with items for the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Fill the Cruiser

Fill the Cruiser event a festive success

Dec 8, 2024 | 11:03 AM

The Battlefords showed their giving spirit this weekend.

The donations raised from Saturday’s Fill the Cruiser event once again brought smiles to the RCMP members’ faces as their detachment’s boardroom is now stuffed from the 3,340 pounds of food, and over $14,600 in monetary offerings for the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

RCMP members stand in the midst of a boardroom packed with donations. (Submitted Photo/Cpl. Steve Bell)

According to Cpl. Steve Bell, the food bank will be weighing the donations in the coming days, but they’re hoping to beat last year’s record of $15,000. The event, which was also set up in front of Sobeys’ and Walmart, was a chance for the public to see the force in a different light.

“We live here, we take ownership of the community too and helping out anyway that we can, so it’s always good to give back in the community you’re living in,” said Bell.

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As people walked out of the doors of the Co-Op Discovery, they brought gifts of stuffing, soups and other non-perishable items.

One of the RCMP vehicles is stuffed and ready to be unloaded. (Submitted Photo/Cpl. Steve Bell)

According to a press release, executive director of the organization Erin Katerynych said that the hamper programs go towards helping over 2,100 people per month – half of whom are children.

“Thanks to our wonderful community, and the initiatives such as Fill-the-Cruiser, we are able to help those in need.”

One of the shoppers who shared some goodwill towards those who need it most was Jackie Graw.

“We have the funds to help out so, figured, ‘Why not,’” she said.

Graw chose to donate one of the premade Hunger bags and said watching residents stepping up for others was what the season was all about.

S/Sgt. Ryan How and daughter Sadie help four-year-old Filo Mendiola and Kaia, 6, draw on the RCMP truck. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW)

“It’s just good to see everybody giving to those less fortunate especially at Christmas time.”

Another highlight Bell said was interacting with the younger residents, especially when they got to draw all over the police vehicles.

“Seeing the excitement in them for the Christmas season, that’s always a good time to just go and do something different.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: juleslovett@bsky.social