THUNDER BAY -- A group of Thunder Bay Police Officers will be joining forces this holiday season to deliver toys to the Pediatric Unit.
The idea originated a couple of years ago when officers dressed up as real-life superheroes for Halloween, and got an overwhelming response from the children.
Detective Constable Casey Vucko said the officers saw an opportunity to give back to the community.
“The response from the children was amazing, they actually thought we were real,” Vucko said.
“We ended up partnering with our school resources officer for an event, and we went to the schools to preach about anti-bulling, standing up for others and just being a team in general.”
Vucko added that the officers decided to make an appearance in the Pediatric Unit at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre in costume.
“We went there and surprised the kids, they were just so overwhelmed with joy and it really made us feel good doing it,” he said.
“It reminded us why we became police officers, so I wanted to roll with it and this time add toys.”
There are two parts to the initiative. The superheroes will be delivering toys to the pediatric unit as well as keeping a few extras to pass along to families who don’t have any to give.
Vucko said we need to show children they can come to us if they need help and that police officers are good people.
The officers are hoping to have to have the toys delivered to the Pediatric Unit couple of weeks before Christmas.
Vucko has received $500 from the City Police Board last week for the project, and Walmart has offered to donate $100.
