LETHBRIDGE-

With Halloween less than a week away, Lethbridge organizations are getting ready to get into the fun.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is hosting its second annual Trunk-or-Treat on October 31.

“We’re expecting about 1,500 to 1,700 people,” said Const. Christian Olsen, a K-9 handler with LPS and Trunk-or-Treat organizer.

“Last year we saw about 800 to 900 kids, so we anticipate that every year we do this event, it’s just going to increase.”

Uniformed officers will hand out candy from decorated police vehicles at the Nicholas Sheran Park boat ramp parking lot, as well as the Logan Boulet Arena parking lot.

Olsen says the event is a way for his officers to connect in a different way with the community.

“Every time we do a community event, we notice an impact very quickly,” Olsen said.

“I think it’s extremely important to build that relationship, especially with young people.”

As candy prices have increased 5 to 15 percent from last year nationwide, demand at the Interfaith Food Bank has also increased.

In order to attract more donations, Interfaith volunteers will participate in a different style of trick-or-treating.

“Anyone collecting on behalf of the food bank should have an identification tag so you know they are legitimately contributing to our food drive,” said Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank.

As part of the annual Trick-or-Eat event, McIntyre says trick-or-treaters made up of families, clubs or teammates will not collect candy but rather donations for those in need.

“It’s great if you can offer something that is non-perishable in nature, meaning it will keep well,” McIntyre said.

“So these boxes and boxes of food, and we also like to get things that have a little higher nutritional value, like canned proteins and meats and fruits.”

Registered volunteers will travel to various neighborhoods to collect items.

McIntyre says the annual fundraiser comes at a key time, before the holiday rush when demand increases.

“We are completely community focused, supported by the community to serve the community. So why not organize our activities in a fun, community-centered way? » said McIntyre.

Whether you’re collecting candy or non-perishable food items, LPS asks everyone to plan ahead and stay safe.

Olsen says wearing light-colored costumes, using crosswalks and watching traffic are ways to stay safe.

“Keeping an eye on children as parents and even young people like teenagers, everyone needs to keep an eye on each other if we’re crossing the streets,” Olsen said.

“It’s going to be busy.”