Port Hardy police are back at it with another act of holiday kindness.
According to a Dec. 20 RCMP release, Port Hardy police officers went the extra mile to keep a local family cheery on Christmas day, after having found out a mother may not have a holiday tree or presents for her children.
“The holiday spirit is alive and well on the Northern tip of Vancouver Island,” Cpl. Voller stated. “This year, in the spirit of the holidays, the Port Hardy RCMP Detachment identified a young family within their area who could use a little support this holiday season.”
“Our members attended the residence of an indigenous single mother, who they learned had recently had gone through some family tragedies, as well as having two young children to support,” Voller continued.
The release also stated that “the mother advised that although she celebrated Christmas, she would not be able to get a tree, or much this year.”
After talking to the mother and listening to the children’s Santa wish list, Port Hardy mounties felt it necessary to help the family out, in hopes that “they might get them each a present and assist in creating some smiles and laughter Christmas morning.”
They wanted the young family to experience a holiday season that was “merry and bright,” Cpl. Voller said. In fact, the idea of a tree and present for each child gained considerable traction within the detachment, and “then snowballed.”
Port Hardy’s RCMP Staff Sgt. Wes Olsen also commented, having said that “it is heartwarming to be able to go out into the community and show the other side of policing; seeing the smiling faces of those we help and try to bring joy to. This is what the RCMP strives to do. Simples acts of kindness like this highlight the work that our members across Canada do every day of the year.”
The act of kindness came a week after three local mounties went to a regularly visited apartment complex to hand out teddy bears to families and children. Port Hardy mounties also individually contributed to the local food banks and charities for the local area.