A two-day campout atop some scaffolding in Uptown may not be your idea of a relaxing getaway, but for a trio of local police officers, it’s for a good cause.
This weekend, Saanich Police Const. Lisa Bruschetta, Oak Bay Const. Sheri Lucas and Central Saanich Cpl. Pat Bryant are returning to the Uptown courtyard for the second annual Free the Fuzz event, raising money for Special Olympics B.C.
“They’re going to be tented up at the top of a scaffold in Uptown for 48 hours,” said Saanich Police acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie of the event. “The idea is that people start pledging money toward them being freed.”
“Special Olympics gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the chance to be part of a team, and it builds self-confidence,” said Bruschetta, who is one of the organizers of Free the Fuzz at Uptown. “Our goal is to engage with the community and show our support for our amazing athletes.”
Last year’s event collected more than $6,500 in donations for Special Olympics B.C. The second Uptown edition will feature a dunk tank, face painting, live music, raffles, and hotdog and pop by donation.
The weekend will also include Starbucks coffee by donation (9 to 11 a.m. both days), a 4Cats Art Class (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday), and demonstrations by the Saanich Police K9 unit (1 p.m. both days) and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday).
The two-day fundraiser is part of the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run, which takes place May 31 to June 3. Since 1990, the B.C. chapter has raised more than $3 million.
jacob.zinn@saanichnew.com