Free the Fuzz for Special Olympics!

Rain or shine, five law enforcement officers will make their home on the rooftop of Cabela’s south side store for 53 hours to raise funds for Special Olympics. Starting at 11:00 a.m. today, law enforcement officers and Special Olympic athletes will accept donations to help ‘free the fuzz’ from the roof. The goal is to raise $30,000. Edmonton Police Service (EPS) members have taken part in the event for over a decade.

“The athletes see us as heroes, but in reality they are the true heroes because through the many challenges they face every day, they still enjoy life to the fullest. We have a lot to learn from these very special people,” said Cst. Amanda Trenchard, event organizer and Special Olympics coach.

To help kick off the weekend event, citizens are invited to interact with law enforcement members and the EPS K-9 Unit, take in displays, and see police vehicles from the past and present. There will be activities for children and a barbeque with proceeds going to the cause. The fun begins on Friday at 10:00 a.m. A full schedule of events is included below. 

Donations will be accepted at Cabela’s north and south locations over the weekend.

Fri. June 19, 11:00 a.m.	Free the Fuzz launch at Cabela’s (6150 Currents Drive NW),where law enforcement officers will be raised to the roof of the store A short introduction will include the EPS Pipes and Drums
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Fundraising activities Displays, law enforcement vehicles, K-9 Unit Activities for kids Barbeque (proceeds going to Special Olympics)
Sat. June 20, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Fundraising activities Displays, law enforcement vehicles, K-9 Unit Activities for kids Barbeque (proceeds going to Special Olympics)
Sun. June 21, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Fundraising activities Displays, law enforcement vehicles, K-9 Unit  Activities for kids Barbeque (proceeds going to Special Olympics)
4:00 p.m.	Free the Fuzz roof-sitters are released!

Background Information:

1. Free the Fuzz event partners include:
   • Edmonton Police Service
   • Alberta Sheriffs 
   • Alberta Peace Officers, Corrections Officers, Conservation Officers, and Fish and Wildlife Officers
   • Canadian Military Police and Border Services
   • Canadian Search Dog Association
   • Cabela’s Canada
2. All money raised from the event stays in Alberta with 50 per cent going directly to Special Olympics in Edmonton.
3. Special Olympics Alberta offers programs in 114 communities through 32 affiliates, each with its own volunteer management committee and volunteer coaches (over 1,200 volunteers working with over 3,000 athletes in year-round programs).
4. Competitions take place at the local, provincial and national level.
5. The Free the Fuzz fundraising event falls under the umbrella of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The torch run is part of an international movement, the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers around the world have carried the “Flame of Hope” across 35 Nations.
6. Since 2002, the Alberta torch run has grown by leaps and bounds, with its support of Special Olympics Alberta expanding at an impressive rate.