Torch run gets big boost

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 11, 2024.

Another successful Law Enforcement Torch Run, hosted by Boston Pizza, was served up by the Lethbridge Police Service and other southern Alberta Law enforcement agencies on Friday night at the southside Boston Pizza for “Cops, Pops and Pizza fundraiser”.
Const. Braylon Hyggen spoke with reporters about breaking last year’s record for donations.
“It’s been a fantastic evening,” said Hyggen.
“Boston Pizza, at the beginning of the event tonight, also gave us a cheque for over $5,800 to even kick this event off.”
Combined with that donation, the fundraiser totalled more than $12, 300.
All proceeds raised Friday night will go toward subsidizing the Special Olympics and helping Special Olympians like Tamara Laursen get to provincials summer 2025 in Grand Prairie. This will be for the Lethbridge chapter of the corporation.
Laursen plays a variety of sports, but being the first time that the Special Olympics is honuoring Softball as a competitive sport, Laursen has chosen this to represent the City of Lethbridge.
Eight years ago, Laursen lacked quality friendships and decided to join an agency named Independent Counselling Enterprises, located on 2816 5 Avenue N, where Sandra McGrath, then regional manager, encouraged her to “come out and join this, and open yourself up to new experiences.” She helped Laursen regain her confidence and meet new people including her current partner.
“I totally recommend anyone that is looking to join, to definitely do it. It is a lifetime of memories, it’s a lifetime of making friends, and the experiences and the trips, and the tournaments that we get to go to, it’s a blast.”, said Laursen.
Laursen says that she appreciates all First Responders who were involved and for donations from Boston Pizza, and community members alike, as they have made it worthwhile.
“Events like these are great ways to get out into the community and to get involved.”
Anny Chenard, chair of the Special Olympics, Lethbridge Chapter was in charge of ringing through sales of water bottles, stuffies, and limited edition coins.
“The support that we get with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and Lethbridge police in general is just massive,” she continued. “They teach our community, not only safety, but they teach our athlete’s who’s safe, and who can be a buddy system.” Officers have been volunteering for this organization and their sports, “it’s just a great partnership for us to have them be a part of this.”

2
-1