Portage la Prairie's Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) has several initiatives on the go to help continue their efforts in the community.
A BBQ at the Homestead Co-op this week will help with their safety patrols as well as a major accessible playground project, while a separate golf tournament later this month supports youth programs.
COPP partners with the Co-op, which provides essential support for the popular barbecue. Proceeds directly benefit COPP's operations and their significant contribution to the community's new fully accessible playground, championed by Kim Wikdahl, including a specialized accessible swing. The playground project represents an investment exceeding $100,000.
"We've been doing the BBQ for a fair number of years," said Charlie Clifford, Chairperson of COPP Portage la Prairie. "We partner with the Homestead Co-op on this one. They help us with the barbecue, give us a certain amount of product, and we buy the rest."
Patrolling since 1992, seeking volunteers
Established in 1992, COPP Portage is one of Manitoba's longest-running citizen patrol groups. Volunteers act as extra eyes and ears for the RCMP, conducting regular patrols (primarily at night) to observe and report suspicious activity without confrontation.
"We started with big numbers, as high as 80 members. We're down from that, but we're looking for members as well," Clifford noted. "We have a couple of programs that go on. One is the patrol that we do. The RCMP know that we're out there and if we see something, we call them. We're sort of like extra eyes and ears for the RCMP."
Prospective volunteers undergo vetting, including a criminal record check and training. "They could call me at (204) 857-6497," Clifford stated. "It's quite a vetting process, passing a criminal records check, usually 2 evenings of training, and then they have to report after their patrols. So while it's fairly drawn out, it's comprehensive."
Golf tournament tees off for youth
COPP's second major fundraiser, a golf tournament, tees off on Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at 12:00 PM. All money raised will go towards the "Create of Play Program" administered by the Family Resource Centre and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Plains.
"Last year, 40 children in Portage were able to enter some kind of activity because of that.", Clifford explains, "We think it's an important thing and we'd like to see it grow."
The tournament, initiated as a collaboration with the RCMP, who still participate, relies on community and business backing. "We really appreciate the business people in this town, they support us very well... We're always looking for golfers. We're looking for sponsors of holes."
Community impact and giving options
Clifford emphasized COPP's broad community impact through fundraising. "Our group has raised in the last 10 or so years over $80,000 for different activities in town, mostly involved with children, but sometimes with adults as well."
Community members can support the accessible playground project directly at Thursday's hot dog fundraiser.
Clifford added, "You don't have to buy hot dogs... if you want to drop by and leave a donation... if it's over $20, you can get a receipt at City Hall."
Those interested in golfing, sponsoring the tournament, or volunteering with COPP can contact (204) 857-4686 or email portagecopp2017@gmail.com