Alberta’s Integrated Traffic Units (ITU), made up of Sheriff and RCMP traffic officers will be out on the roads this coming Thanksgiving weekend participating in Operation Impact, a Canada-wide initiative sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police focused on detecting impaired and distracted drivers, speeders and those not wearing seatbelts. Operation Impact takes place annually on the Thanksgiving weekend because research indicates that fatal and serious injury collisions are more likely to occur on weekends, and that a sustained and highly visible law enforcement presence plays a critical role in reducing them.

“We are reminding Albertans that not everyone has the Thanksgiving weekend off – including the traffic safety officers who’ll be out trying to make sure everyone gets where they are going safely,” said Inspector Steve Daley. Acting Officer in Charge, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “Albertans can help us do that by buckling up, slowing down, staying focused and doing whatever it takes to keep impaired drivers off the roads.”

Operation Impact will see ITUs conducting traffic patrols from Friday, October 7 through Monday, October 10 on Alberta’s major highways, where the majority (74%) of fatal and serious injury collisions occur. From January 1 through September 30, 2016, vehicle collisions within Alberta RCMP jurisdictions have already resulted in 158 deaths and 3,493 injuries. Over the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, four people died and 68 were injured in collisions within Alberta RCMP jurisdictions.

“Our goal for Thanksgiving weekend is to reduce the number of serious collisions by making drivers think twice before taking risks behind the wheel,” said Alberta Traffic Sheriff Superintendent Rick Gardner. “That is what Operation Impact is all about.”

With the harvest still underway in parts of Alberta, motorists can also expect to see farm equipment on rural roads. As the autumn days get shorter, motorist are reminded to keep a careful eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. They should also be prepared to react to wildlife along the roadsides, especially in the early evening and morning hours.

    Santa’s sleigh will be making a stop at Roatan, Honduras this year thanks to two local couples.
    Cindy and Bob Thomas, with Christine and Gary Storrs are off on their third trip to Roatan and are looking forward to watching the joy on children’s faces when they see Santa come walking down the beach.
    Cindy Thomas explained that when they go into the west end of Roatan, they are heading off the beaten path into little towns. This is out of the tourist area and is where the children are. These are places you just wouldn’t go or be welcomed but with Santa at Christmas you can go anywhere.
    Chris Storrs said, “A block away this little girl turned and saw Santa. She just ran and threw herself into his arms.”
    “Santa carries his little bag with gifts and goodies everywhere he goes so when we see local kids on the street, kids on the beach, kids in the airport, Santa can give them a gift.” Cindy said. “These are kids who have never seen Santa”.
    Gary Storrs, or better known in Roatan as Santa, explained, “During our last trip we went to the tiny island of Cayos Cachinos. It has over 100 people living on this 0.8 square mile island. They have no power, no running water no facilities. It was the kid’s first time seeing Santa. They had never had Christmas gifts before and we could bring them that. This was their Christmas.”
    Cindy said. “People ask us why we would go all the way over there to help kids when there are struggling families right here in Canada. We see lots of local programs to help families  here but who helps those kids? They are so grateful. These are kids who have never seen Santa or never got anything for Christmas before. Then they get just this simple knitted toy, well this is their Christmas. This one toy is literally their Christmas.”
    Due to the present economy and the skyrocketing expenses, this year’s trip just about didn’t become a reality. Cindy explained she was approached by a lady from Pioneer Trail Centre asking about the trip.
    “They had just assumed we were going but we just didn’t think it was doable this year.  When the lady from the Lodge said they had been knitting dolls and balls to send all year I figured we had to make it happen.” Cindy said.
    Because of the cost to carry all the donations onto the plane, the Thomas’ and Storrs’ are looking to send packages ahead of time.  
    “So far we have been given donations of knitted dolls and balls, school supplies and hygiene supplies. It’s tough because we want to take it all but after figuring out that each box will cost close to $100 it’s going to be too expensive.” Cindy said.
    As Cindy has laid out on the Drumheller Discussion board on Facebook, each box will cost $72.39 to ship from Drumheller to where it needs to go in Florida. Once in Florida, the boxes will be sent by boat to Roatan. This will cost an additional $27 US dollars.  
    “Our goal is to send 100 boxes ahead of time so when Santa arrives he can keep refilling his bag and give out gifts to every child we see. We usually buy candy canes from the local store there to help support a Roatan family but we do need to get the toys and other donations there.” Cindy explained.
    The Thomas’ and Storrs’ would like to share their vision of blessing children who have never experienced the giving Christmas spirit. They are in need of funds for postage for the items they have had donated and are looking to the local community.  
    Cindy said, “We are being very open and will be each step of the way. The community will know exactly how much money will be given and the cost of each expense. We are not asking for funds to send us but only the boxes we need to get there. 10 boxes at around $100 is $1,000 and we just can’t do it on our own.”
    If you would like to help with the cost of shipping, please contact Cindy Thomas through Western GM dealership in Drumheller.