COP seeks charitable status

Brian Holmberg accepted a plaque of appreciation during the High Prairie Citizens On Patrol meeting Jan. 29. The plaque is for Holmberg’s dedication to the organization the last four years.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

A plan is in the works for the High Prairie Citizens On Patrol program to register as a society so it can receive tax-deductible donations. Mike Poulter discussed the issue during a meeting in the High Prairie RCMP detachment Jan. 29. He had a draft copy of bylaws for review, which details things like membership, the duties of the executive and so on. Poulter also says COP would first have to register as a society at the provincial level, then register with the federal government to be able to issue tax receipts. S/Sgt. Steven Daley says society status will ensure there aren’t any legal issues for COP to deal with. Town manager Larry Baran attended the meeting. He says it took nine months for the Community Health Foundation to obtain charitable organization status. He suggests COP set up a trust account with the Town of High Prairie until COP obtains society status. Brian Holmberg was also at the meeting. Holmberg is no longer a member of the local COP organization because of other commitments elsewhere. “It’s been a pleasure to serve with you,” says Holmberg. “I’m such a believer in this program. I know it works. You’re doing a good deed.” He received a plaque from Poulter for his four years of service to COP. Holmberg says the public has to be educated about COP. For instance, it covers the whole community, not just the downtown core. He also says COP should recruit new members with assistance from the RCMP. Holmberg has become the president of the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association. He announced ACOPA would be holding its annual general meeting in High Prairie on Sept. 19-20. Just over 262 delegates from around the province will attend. During the Jan. 29 meeting, Poulter stepped down as the president of COP, although he will remain as vice-president. He will devote a lot of his time to organizing the annual general meeting. Dave Paddon is the new president of COP. Val Fjeld continues as secretary-treasurer. James Waikle represented the municipality’s protective services committee at the meeting. He will act as a line of communication between COP and the committee. “It’s good to know what everybody’s doing,” says Waikle, adding COP is welcome to attend the committee’s monthly meetings. Waikle also encourages the public to volunteer for COP.

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