THUNDER BAY - It will likely be a cold and snowy Halloween this year and police are reminding trick or treaters and drivers to be extra careful, while also ensuring everyone stays warm during the winter months ahead.
On Sunday, Thunder Bay Police and Crime Stoppers hosted a clothing drive and Halloween safety display at the Balmoral Street headquarters.
Staff Sgt. Derek West said in the last two years that the clothing drive has been held, hundreds of winter coats have been collected, and this year the public’s generosity continues.
“We are really pleased with the response so far,” West said. “We really appreciate those who have already been coming and the clothes they have dropped off so far and we are really pleased to be working with the community and helping those in need.”
Thunder Bay Police will partner with other community organizations such as the Thunder Bay Shelter House SOS program to provide coats to vulnerable members of the community. All the coats that are donated will also be fitted with reflective material to make them more visible at night.
Coats will also be provided to people leaving the police station who may not have a coat or proper winter clothing.
“We want to show that Thunder Bay Police care,” West said. “We want to make sure we engage the community in a positive way and bringing the community together to find a way to help support those in need. Police are part of the community and we want to do that in partnership with the community.”
If you would like to donate a coat to the clothing drive but were unable to make it on Sunday, donations will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 30 at the Balmoral Street station.
Members of Crime Stoppers and volunteers with Zone Watch were also sharing helpful tips to keep kids safe this Halloween, giving away reflective arm bands, candy bags, and treats.
Thunder Bay Police spokesperson, Julie Tilbury, said that as ghouls and ghosts are wandering the streets, it is important to keep safe so a fun night does not turn into a scary one.
“Every year everyone gets really excited about these kinds of events, so if we can just remind people of all the basic safety tips that they already know, but just reinforce it, we will have a safer day for everyone,” she said.
Tilbury said as far back as she can remember, there has never been any major incidents on Halloween involving trick or treaters and by following some simple safety tips, it should stay that way.
“The most important thing for young people is to make sure you have a well-fitting costume, make sure you can see, make sure they stay with their parents and stay on the side of the road and don’t dart across,” she said. “For motorists, we just ask that they slow down a little bit.”
For older kids venturing out on their own, Tilbury said to make sure parents know where you are going, have a curfew, only visit homes that are well lit, and always travel in groups.
