Image Credit: CFJC Today
Giving Season

Kamloops RCMP stuffed the cruiser with Christmas cheer on Saturday

Dec 4, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — This weekend kicked off the Christmas giving season in Kamloops, as Kamloops RCMP was set up outside Toys ‘R’ Us for their annual Stuff the Cruiser campaign.

RCMP members, as well as City of Kamloops crime prevention staff, joined Sargeant Safety Bear to help collect new, unwrapped toys for Christmas Amalgamated.

For organizers of Stuff the Cruiser, it’s always special to see the generosity of the community in action during the holiday season.

“Being with the volunteers and just the generosity of the citizens of Kamloops, coming together and supporting a great event,” Sandro Piroddi, crime prevention coordinator with the City of Kamloops, explained. “Coming out of the pandemic, I think some families are going through some hard times right now. It’s just good to give back. It makes people feel good.”

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says Stuff the Cruiser is a favourite for the RCMP members who take part each year. It’s also a great opportunity for citizens to interact with RCMP in an everyday situation, which many folks don’t always get to do.

“It’s one of the [events] we look forward to the most because it allows us to get out and spread some Christmas joy, but also get to talk with people, talk with kids,” Cpl. Evelyn says. “Whether or not people donate, just to get to say hello to people and let them know we’re collecting and just remind them there are people in need, as well.”

Cpl. Evelyn says the community donated close to two full police cruisers full of toys and close to $600, all of which will be handed over to Christmas Amalgamated later this week.