Bonnyville’s Charity Check Stop raises over $5000

Bonnyville Victim Services raised $5568 at their 10th annual Charity Check Stop over the weekend.

Last Saturday, Victim Services held their 10th annual Charity Check Stop with help from Bonnyville RCMP, Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, EMS, Municipal District of Public Safety and a representative from Alberta Health.

The public was given three different ways to give back through cash donations, food or toys.

Provided by Victim Services

They could be found on Main Street from 12:00-2:00pm on Saturday collecting.

Vehicles were stopped and encouraged to donate what they could with Christmas on the way.

“I was surprised with the amount of cash we received, just shows that even if Bonnyville is in a rough time the community still chooses to give,” said Debbie Winstone, program manager, Victim Services. 

“We also received more toys than food items this year which is usually not the case.” 

This year, Victim Services decided something different on where all the donations would be heading.

“It went really well, in previous years, cash donations went back to Victim Services but this year the cash that we collected will be donated to the food banks and school’s hot lunch and breakfast program,” said Winstone.

The Bonnyville Friendship Centre and the Community Church Food Banks is where the food will be donated to. 

Emergency services were out in some cold temperatures like -24C.

“Despite the frigid temperatures, everyone had a positive and friendly outlook on the day,” said Amber McCutcheon, Bonnyville Firefighter.

“We collected many toys, and numerous food items, this is my second year helping out.”

The toys that were collected will be donated to Santa’s Elves. 

“It’s a wonderful experience seeing the community get together and give their support for an amazing cause,” said McCutcheon.

The Charity Check Stop did not take place in 2020, and in 2021 it was held with restrictions still in place. 

This year it was held with no restrictions. 

RCMP Pack the Police Car is back

Bonnyville RCMP are continuing on to encourage residents to make more donations in the month of December. 

Pack the Police Car is back again to collect non-perishable food donations for the local food bank to support families this Christmas.

You can find them in the Sobeys parking lot on Dec. 16 from 12:00-3:00 pm. 

With the goal of filling their squad car to the top.