Cold Lake MPs roll out July positive ticket program

For the whole of July, the Military Police stationed at 4 Wing Cold Lake will be participating in an initiative aimed at promoting positive behaviour in the city’s youth.

The “positive ticket program” will reward children under 18 with cool summer treats provided by the program’s sponsors 7Eleven, Dairy Queen, and McDonalds.

Prizes will include Slurpees form 7Eleven, Dilly Bars, small cones, and ice cream sandwiches from Dairy Queen, and sundae cones and small fries from McDonalds.

They’ve teamed up with Cold Lake RCMP, Victim Services, and Peace Officers to roll out the program.

“I’ve seen this initiative in other provinces, and I’ve always wanted to get it going in Cold Lake,” said corporal Collin Hickey, the officer behind the program.

“I started thinking about it last summer, but I was given a task in Ottawa, and then I was deployed, but this summer I knew I had to get it done.”

While the age limit is 18, it will be up to officer discretion if an individual appears to be eligible.

Children who receive a ticket will get a coupon for one of the program’s three sponsors, and are encouraged to post a selfie with the ticket on Facebook along with the tag @VictimServices. This will enter them into a draw to win either an iPad or one of two $100 gift cards.

“We’re gonna be looking for youth that are practicing personal safety, making smart choices, demonstrating positive attitudes, and acting as community heroes,” said Cpl. Hickey.

The program kicked off on Canada Day, and officers will be on the lookout for youth they feel are promoting positive behaviour.