Shop With a Cop 2025: A Day of Joy, Community, and Connection

Shop With a Cop 2025 has officially wrapped and what an unforgettable day it was. Across the city, officers paired with children for a day of Holiday shopping and fun.

At York Street Public School, for example, lights flashing and engines humming to the delight of the students waiting inside. Principal Jonathan Coupland helped coordinate as officers met their “buddy” and showed them to the cruisers. For many kids, this was their very first-time riding in a police car.

The group headed to the Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC) of the OPS at Cadillac Fairview’s Rideau Centre. Kids and officers spilled into the NOC, where excitement grew by the minute. CF Rideau and Indigo welcomed everyone with gift bags, and soon after, pizza was served. The room filled with laughter, chatter, and wide-eyed excitement for the day ahead.

Shortly after noon, the group got together for photos with Santa. Each child received a printed photo to take home as a memory of a magical day.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: shopping time.

Pairs of kids and officers fanned out across the Rideau Centre, lists in hand and holiday spirit in full swing. Stores like Sugar Daddy (offering free chocolate bars) and Imaginaire (providing staff-level discounts) quickly became favourites. Pistachio Choco kept everyone fueled with complimentary hot chocolate and snacks. Officers made sure to respect parent requests and allergy notes while helping kids choose gifts for loved ones, as well as a few special treats for themselves.

By mid-afternoon, the NOC transformed into a lively gift-wrapping station. Officers and kids wrapped presents, grabbed more snacks, and shared stories from their shopping adventures. 

By the end of the day, every child was returned to their door, and greeted by family members who were equally grateful and proud.

This year’s Shop With a Cop was an outstanding success thanks to the dedication and teamwork behind the scenes.

To every officer who volunteered their time, energy, and heart—you made memories that these children will carry with them for years to come.

Shop With a Cop wasn’t just about gifts or shopping. It was about connection: building trust, sharing joy, and reminding kids in our community that they are seen, supported, and valued.

Here’s to another year of smiles, sirens, and holiday magic.