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City introduces Neighborhood Champion program to help reduce property crime

Apr 12, 2018 | 3:00 PM

A new program in North Battleford aims to promote camaraderie among neighbourhood residents by rewarding those who look out for one another.

The program, called Neighbourhood Champion, is related to the city’s Eyes that Care campaign. City manager Jim Puffalt said residents can nominate someone from the community who they feel is deserving of the title, and each month a winner will be drawn at a council meeting.

“We want to encourage people to become more attuned with their neighbours and help them out,” Puffalt said. “To close a garage door if they see it’s open, or helping a neighbour look after their house if they are gone on vacation.”

Puffalt said the program is a way for residents to do their part to reduce property crime. He added it works a lot like the Snow Angel program, where neighbors nominate residents who help shovel driveways for others.  

“One of these days the snow will be gone, so the Snow Angels won’t be around for much longer. We felt spring was a good time to roll this out because a lot more people will be out and on the streets,” he said. “It is just a great way to recognize the people who help out and are becoming the backbone of our neighbourhoods.”

Puffalt said all residents have to do to nominate someone as the Neighbourhood Champion is email Communications Director Susanne Abe with the person’s information and a brief explanation of why they should win.

This month’s winners were Jim and Cheryl Irvine, who watched over a neighbour’s house for three-and-a-half months while they were away. He added the city has already received seven nominations for next month’s draw for a $50 gift card.

 

greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @realgreghiggins