Lloydminster COPs to host Alberta AGM

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT

STAFF WRITER

Lloydminster Citizens on Patrol members have been busy preparing to host the ACOPA (Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association) workshop and annual general meeting.

The event, slated for this weekend, will see

COPs members from across Alberta, as well as members of law enforcement gather at the Lloyd Ex for presentations on a wide range of topics.

“It’s all of Alberta for the AGM, but we have a workshop too— all day Saturday, with guest speakers and training for citizens on patrol and the Alberta

RCMP,” said Lloydminster COP’s president Don Larry.

“We draw in groups from Saskatchewan, Ontario, B.C. They come here for the training and the workshops … plus all the liaisons from the RCMP from these different groups, they get together and they do their own sessions and demonstra - tions and stuff.”

Larry said he has traveled to attend the meetings before—one in Drumheller, and then last year’s AGM which was held in Sherwood Park.

“They’re pretty big events. It’s nice having it here, but it’s a lot of work putting it on.”

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“Don’t tell me I won,” replied Kempton who later went on to ask, “Can you repeat that?” then, “Are you telling me I won $10,000?” before it finally sank in during the back and forth banter.

Ironically, it was Gallant who sold Kempton the winning ticket and joked, “You told me you’d give me half if you won.”

“I’m on my way to a casino, I’ll spend your half there,” quipped Kempton.

The lucky ticket was pulled from a drum at Universal Consulting

Kempton noted she didn’t have any immediate plans for the money, but told a livestream audience on Facebook, “Kiwanis is great organization.”

“I gave that money for the right cause. Sometimes paying it forward really pays doesn’t it, “ she stated.

Gallant wound up her end of the call thanking Kempton for supporting Kiwanis and wishing her a happy Thanksgiving.

“Happy Thanksgiving to you too. This is a blessing isn’t it,” added Kempton.

The $10,000 share that goes to Kiwanis is expected to fund their two main charity events starting with the Santa project, one of Gallant’s favourites.

She says every child from pre-K to Grade 2 in both school divisions will receive a bag with a toy and chocolates, candies, chips and cheesies along with a Christmas orange and candy canes.

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