Delta police officers joined local Special Olympics athletes for a fundraising night at Boston Pizza last week.
The BC Law Enforcement Torch Run and Boston Pizza teamed up to support Special Olympics BC through the Cops, Pops and Pizza campaign.
Held on Nov. 14, officers and athletes served customers, collected donations and raised awareness for Special Olympics.
“Delta police has been involved with Special Olympics for years, so this event came up a few weeks ago and was something we wanted to get on board with,” said Const. Jeremy Pearce. “We have had a lot of help and support from Shannon and Darren who have facilitated this for us. All the athletes out here tonight are paired up with an officer and we’re helping out where we can – clearing tables, pouring water and pop, and just greeting and interacting with customers and raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics.”
Pearce said fundraising nights such as this are important to the department.
“Nights like this help us continue to be involved in the community,” said Pearce. “It goes with our policing initiative no call too small and getting involved in the community we serve. We like being out here for a couple of hours, have positive conversations with people and serving them in a different capacity while supporting these athletes that we love and inspire us.”
And the local athletes certainly appreciate the support they get from the police and the community as a whole.
“Raising money and awareness helps us to do sport, buy our uniforms, so we can’t do this unless we have people helping us with these fundraisers,” said athlete Kim Davies. “Delta police are huge supporters. I’m involved with the Torch Run and they run with me all over the community. I usually hold the torch and once we get to the department I pass the torch and I get to do a speech.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run movement has raised more than $3 million in B.C. since 1990 and more than $600 million for Special Olympics programs around the world.
This was the first year for Cops, Pops and Pizza in B.C., and more than 25 Boston Pizza locations across the province took part.
“We are proud to help these athletes pursue their dreams, gain self-confidence and lead healthy lives,” said Scott Jarvis of Boston Pizza.
The night was also an opportunity to raise additional funds to support the Delta Special Olympics team as it prepares for the provincial Winter Games in February in Vernon where 23 local athletes will compete.
Look for more details in the weeks to come on other fundraisers happening in the community.
