Peace officers, corrections officers, Special Olympians, and members of the public gathered at the north WalMart in Red Deer all weekend long for the 'Free our Finest' event. (Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Facebook page)

By Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

Another successful event

‘Free Our Finest’ event raises at least $20,000 for Special Olympics

Aug 30, 2021 | 1:50 PM

Special Olympians in Alberta stand to benefit from the annual ‘Free Our Finest’ event which took place outside the north Red Deer Walmart this past weekend.

Peace officers, corrections officers, Alberta Sheriffs, and Special Olympians camped out on a scaffolding all weekend long to collect donations and raise money through the Law Enforcement Torch Run program for Special Olympics Alberta.

After more than 53 hours high above the Walmart parking lot, participants were able to raise approximately $20,000 thanks to generous donations from the community.

Cst. Victoria Rudiak with the Drayton Valley RCMP who was one of the people on the scaffolding the entire time, says the sun came out after Friday, and they received nothing but support from the community.

“We had Special Athletes out for the majority of the weekend from both Red Deer and Lacombe. We were really happy with how Red Deer came out and as per usual, supported us. This has been one of the best years we’ve had in the past while, so it was a great weekend.”

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Rudiak says the money will go towards training for the Special Olympians and help them go to their events, which get started in the fall.

For more information, visit: Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run on Facebook or the website, specialolympics.ab.ca.

Related: ‘Free Our Finest’ underway in support of Special Olympics Alberta.