UPDATE: The Lethbridge Police Service says the ‘Cops, Pops, and Pizza’ event on Friday, December 5 raised a total of $14,715.42, which is more than $2,000 above last year’s total. All proceeds go directly toward Special Olympics Alberta.
BACKGROUND
The Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run is set to dish up another edition of its ‘Cops, Pops, and Pizza’ event in Lethbridge.
The initiative is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Alberta and will see athletes and local police officers serve pizza and pops at the Boston Pizza at 2041 Mayor Magrath Drive South from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
Constable Braylon Hyggen of the Lethbridge Police Service says officers will also have merchandise like teddy bears for sale.
The fundraising event coincides with the 29th annual Canadian Tire Toque and Teddy Toss game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Wenatchee Wild, set for 7 p.m. at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
“People can come down, grab their stuffed animal, support Special Olympics and support the Teddy Bear Toss,” Hyggen says.
Local Special Olympian Johnny Turner, who also works at Boston Pizza, will be on-hand for the ‘Cops, Pops, and Pizza’ event.
“I just love it”, he says about Special Olympics, noting he has made many new friends, as well as his significant other, thanks to his participation with the organization.
Hyggen adds that one major aspect of Special Olympics that some may not think about is the sense of community created for athletes, coaches, trainers and volunteers.
“There are so many events that help them with their physical fitness level, as well as the social aspects – they have dances, they have get togethers,” he notes.
Last year’s ‘Cops, Pops, and Pizza’ raised a total of $12,339.40, thanks to community contributions and a donation of $5,815.70 from Boston Pizza.
READ MORE: $12K raised for Special Olympics Alberta at Cops, Pops and Pizza event
For the Toque and Teddy Toss game, the Lethbridge Hurricanes are hoping to collect 4,775 bears and 1,100 toques. Those items will be donated to local charities in Lethbridge and the surrounding area, including the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
The 2024 Toque and Teddy Toss collected 4,207 stuffed animals and 1,085 toques.
READ MORE: 4K+ stuffed animals, 1K+toques collected during Hurricanes’ Toque and Teddy Toss
