Operation Find Santa was back for the second year. Hosted at West Edmonton Mall, the event, which took place on December 10th, welcomed 10 families in need from Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. The families were paired with members of the Edmonton Police Service and police recruits.
The day began with a special brunch with Santa. However, the joyful occasion took an unexpected turn when it was announced Santa had been kidnapped by none other than the infamous Grinch!
Chief Dale McFee asked the families to join forces with police to help find Santa. The teams embarked on a thrilling adventure through the mall, solving clues and completing challenges at various locations. Their determined efforts led to the joyful rescue of Santa and the recovery of all their gifts.
“This is the best thing I could have experienced,” said one of the participants from Bent Arrow. “I didn’t expect this at all.”
The aim of the Operation Find Santa is to spread holiday cheer and foster strong relationships between the community and police. Officers from all six divisions, Recruit Selection, Legal Services, Tactical, School Resource Officers Unit, and the Office of the Chief, took part in the special event.
Thank you to the Edmonton Police Foundation, sponsors, and volunteers, whose generosity, time, and effort, made this unforgettable event possible.