RCMP to celebrate community partnerships

It will be a night to celebrate history and community support as the Lloydminster RCMP, in partnership with the Lloydminster Interval Home Society, host the 2023 Regimental Ball.

Last hosted in 2019 with support going to Midwest Victim Services, the regimental ball is a formal event that allows RCMP members to build relationships within the community, while also raising money for a local non-profit organization.

This year’s regimental ball is being hosted at the WLS Convention Centre at the Lloyd Ex on March 4 with funds supporting the Interval Home’s hot lunch program at the LCYC (Lloydminster Community Youth Centre) as well as general operations.

“We haven’t had a regimental ball here for a while, but I know they’ve hosted them in Lloydminster and there’s always been a great turnout, both from the RCMP and members of the community, and we’re hoping for that again this year,” said Lloydminster RCMP member and Student Resource Officer (SRO), Const. Melanie Flynn.

“It’s an opportunity for us to host a formal event, and the RCMP have partnered with the Interval Home Society to raise money for their organization.”

Flynn explained the Lloydminster RCMP and Interval Home Society have a longstanding partnership in the community, and as an SRO, Flynn knows just how utilized their programming is.

“We definitely partner with Interval and use the Interval Home Society a lot when we’re looking for safe spaces for individuals,” she said. “Their youth programming and youth centre are amazing and we’re always referring kids there for a space safe or a place to go to be connected with supportive individuals. I also refer kids to the youth centre as a way to keep them busy, they have lots of great programming there.

“In regards to the Interval Home shelter, we do send a lot of clients that way if they need additional support.”

Flynn also explained the event will give members a more relaxed setting to connect with community members.

“When we’re working with community partners, it’s usually crisis management or resource connections for individuals, so this will be a more relaxed environment to have those conversations and get to know one another on a different level.”

The RCMP as a whole is also celebrating 150 years of service this May, and the organization’s new branding and commemorative flags will be on display at the event.

“We’ve also partnered with the Lloydminster Museum and Archives as they did up a historical display for us celebrating and showcasing the RCMP within that 150-year time frame,” said Flynn. “I haven’t seen it yet, but it will be on display at the WLS Convention Centre the night of the event.

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