Annual Operation Find Santa to Foster Connections to Indigenous Families with EPS

Operation Find Santa at WEM (Photo Submitted)

This Saturday marks the fourth year of Operation Find Santa at WEM from the Edmonton Police Service and the Edmonton Police Foundation – and this year comes with a twist. A festive breakfast from with families from Bent Arrow at Fantasyland Hotel turns serious when newly appointed Chief Driechel announces Santa has been taken by the Grinch.

Elisha Jackson, Executive Director of the Edmonton Police Foundation, tells 89.3 The Raven Operation Find Santa is designed to build meaningful connections between Indigenous families from the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Edmonton police officers.

Jackson says building trust in police strengthens communities by fostering cooperation, understanding, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Jackson adds that the event aims to build lasting trust by connecting Indigenous families with police officers, while enjoying the fun festive activities in WEM.

Event Schedule:

9:00 a.m. – Families and police arrive for breakfast at Fantasyland Hotel Conference Room 6 (3^rd floor).

9:40 a.m. – Chief Warren Driechel announces Santa’s kidnapping.

10:00 a.m. – Investigation begins. Families travel to these stores/locations:

1. Indigo
2. It’Sugar
3. Build-a-Bear
4. The Ship (crime scene)
5. Simons
6. Cineplex
7. Fantasyland Hotel Conference Room 6

12:00 p.m. – Santa is found back where the search began at the Fantasyland Hotel Conference Room 6, the Grinch is arrested, and the families’ gifts are revealed.