By Ron Fanfair
Most people don’t look forward to phone calls from the police. Not Zenith Isaacs.
The longtime Sparroway resident knows that a call in early December from 33 Division Constables Asif Shaikh or Michael Bradford is likely to let her know that they will be dropping off food hampers and toys to ensure a happy holiday season for the community.
“The families here are very grateful for these packages at this time of year,” said Isaacs, who has lived in the community for the last 15 years and volunteers to help. “Not everyone can afford to go out there and buy the food and toys they need. This effort from the police means so much.”
Students and teachers from A.Y Jackson Secondary School used their own funds to buy the toys and food that were sorted and packaged at the school prior to distribution.
“They enjoy doing this for the community,” said Constable Asif Shaikh. “Our officers are only too happy to come out and help put smiles on faces of community members at Christmas time.”
Constable Michael Bradford was the boys’ soccer and girls’ flag football coach at A.Y Jackson. He also coaches young soccer players in the Sparroway neighbourhood.
“Every Monday night during winter, about 20 to 30 kids between six and 12 come out and play soccer indoors,” he said. “I am familiar with a lot of these families and know how much these food hampers and toys mean to them.”