POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 33 PANS in the community It takes a village to raise a child, including community organizers, theatre directors and police officers. Charlottetown Police officer Steve Gallant visited children spending the Monday of their March break at Murphy’s Community Centre in an effort to build greater ties in the community at an early age. "In order for a community to work well, there needs to be good social interaction," said Patrick McDonald, who organized the event as the centre’s director of child care. A number of activities were organize for attendees. Children painted the face of one of the officers volunteering, and they were given small prizes for helping each other. They also played ball hockey, which Gallant said was to show them how to work well on a team. McDonald has been dedicated to helping youth in one form or another for 30 years now. One Christmas, in his hometown of Grand Tracadie, P.E.I., he directed a performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" for his local theatre. He was able to use period costumes, provided to him by the Confederation Centre. "A lot of times, people don’t realized that if you’re more involved in your community, your community is able to give you more back," said McDonald. Both McDonald and Gallant said police officers should also be positive figures in the community. Gallant added that officers are normal, approachable human beings, just like anyone else. Gallant had volunteered at Murchy’s Community Centre before. He and McDonald believe volunteering helps strengthen the bonds that bind a community together. To volunteer at Murphy’s Community centre, apply in person, with a resumé, at the main office on Richmond Street. As originally published on March 29, 2017 by Michael Conor McCarthy, The Guardian Face-painting forges bonds Members of the Charlottetown police invited to March break event to strengthen relationship between youth, the community and the police. Charlottetown Police Office Steve Gallant gets his face painted by Lauren Dalziel and Jayden Wilson at the Murphy’s Community Centre School Age Camps. Several officers spent the day at the camp teaching positive attitude, community engagement, leadership, manners and many other life skills. The camp also allowed the children to learn the police are a positive ability in the community. HEATHER TAWEEL/THE GUARDIAN Several offices took part in the Salvation Army’s 'Be an Angel'program, buying gifts for children who wouldn´t otherwise have much under the tree. "They gave us a list of what 10 children would like to have for Christmas and they went so quickly we asked for five more," said Truro Police Chief Dave MacNeil. The police had purchased items for the Christmas Index program in the past but this year they heard the Salvation Army was struggling to get what was on their list so they decided to help out. MacNeil´s teenage daughter did the shopping for him and felf so good about helping she spent her own money to purchase something extra. "Sometimes we forget there are peole struggleing and it´s nice to help make Christmas special for kids," said MacNeil. "Christmas is about kids." Truro police also took part in 'Fill the Paddy Wagon' at Sobeys on Prince Street on Dec. 3, collecting a van full of food. Published by Lynn Curwin, Truro Daily News Truro police are not only making people safer during the holidays, they´re also making children happier. Truro Police officers took part in the Salvation Army´s `Be an Angel´ program and purchased gifts for local children. Around the tree are, from left, Const. Katie Titus, Const. Edwin Reynolds, Const. Andrew Frost and Cpt. Robert Hunka.
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