This story was originally posted for CHAT TV on December 23, 2014 (link to story)
The holidays are known as a time for blinking, colourful lights, but the last thing people want to see is flashing red and blue in their rear view mirror.
However, this Christmas season, Medicine Hat Police are pulling people over for a good reason.
Instead of handing out tickets for minor offences, they’re handing out gifts.
“I pulled this person over for failing to signal when she changed lanes, so we’re going to give her a gift card instead of a ticket,” said Cst. Tyler Risling during a ‘Operation Christmas Joy’ traffic stop Tuesday.
Members of the service contributed around $3,500 out of their own pockets and went out and bought teddy bears, footballs and gift cards to hand out.
The idea originally started after toys were stolen from a Medicine Hat Santa Claus Fund collection point in early December. Staff wanted to replace some of the toys, and the pot of donations grew so much that, after donating toys back to the Santa Claus Fund, Police decided to take the gifts to the streets.
“Clearly there’s opportunity to have a positive interaction and they’re getting a gift card and something they get to take home and leave with a smile on their face rather than a ticket in their hand,” said S. Sgt Darcy Brandt, adding the service wanted to focus on the positives rather than negative police interactions with people this year.
Police will also hand out toys at the Hospital’s pediatric ward on Christmas Eve. Additionally, hampers were made for four families who were determined to be in extra need these holidays.
S. Sgt Brandt explained the giving has brightened up not only the officer’s day, but the people receiving the gifts, as well.
“There’s been a lot of smiles, people are absolutely shocked. They don’t know if they should take [the gifts] or not because it just doesn’t seem real, but people are truly grateful just for a little something.”
Police hope it urges people to pass on the cheer and kindness, so that everyone can have a merry Christmas.