Cops swarm Marlborough Mall
Posted Dec 14, 2011 3:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
More than 30 Calgary police officers swarmed the Marlborough Mall Shopping Center in the northeast Wednesday morning, but there was no need for panic. These men and women in blue were there to act as personal shoppers for 27 local kids, chosen because they’ve made a difference in their communities.
Mathew was one of the Grade 9 kids on the 6th Annual Cop Shop trip. He says his grades aren’t extraordinary, so he’s not sure why he was chosen for a $200 shopping spree. But his spending plans are a good indication why he’s on the trip.
“Mostly I going to spend it on Christmas presents for friends and family,” Mathew told 660News. “And if anything’s left over then it’s for me.”
“I think of policemen as people who guard our city and keep our streets safe,” adds Mathew, commenting on the morning of camaraderie with the police officers.
Constable Mark McCullough said he was excited about playing personal shopper, because he enjoys the interaction, but more importantly he was hoping to shape the younger generation’s perception of police officers.
“That guy’s a human being as well,” said McCullough of the students’ possible perception of the officers. “He’s a cop. He’s an older fellow. Whatever they think, as long as they have a good time … if it’s a positive experience with us it’s all good.”
Marlborough Mall sees this project sees the annual event as a win-win for all involved.
