I hope by now that you all have heard of or experienced Chestermere Positive Ticketing for youth. Starting July 2015, Chestermere has been an exciting city for its youth, who have been receiving much deserved recognition for their positive actions.
Due to the hard work and dedication of the Mental Health Capacity Building Project-Stepping Stones to Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, the RCMP, and Synergy, as well as the financial contributions from Chestermere FCSS, youth who are ‘caught’ doing good deeds in the community are rewarded by receiving positive tickets from RCMP officers, complete with $5 gift cards to local businesses.
The feedback has been really amazing from both youth and the RCMP officers. Officers have shared their joy of experiencing the reactions of youth, ranging from shock that police could hand out positive tickets, to gratitude and surprise.
Prize winners have reported:
“I was nervous at first but when I got a ticket for doing good things I was so excited and proud of myself! My little cousin and I had so much fun trick or treating and I’m going to share my gift card with her :)”
“This ticket has changed life dramatically and I would like to thank the community for positive ticketing.”
Youth in Chestermere shouldn’t worry if they have not had the experience of nervousness as an RCMP officer approaches them, followed by the pure joy of having their positive behaviour noticed and rewarded by a positive ticket from the officer, there is still the chance to receive one! In addition to being caught in action by an officer, teachers can make recommendations to the RCMP.
In August the first major Chestermere Positive Ticketing prize draw took place with one lucky winner taking home two tickets to X-fest. When X-fest was cancelled due to the weather, the young man was able to trade in his tickets for cash! There are still big prizes available to be won, so youth who have received a positive ticket should be sure to complete the survey outlined in their ticket to be entered in for a chance at taking home an iPad mini, Sony headphones, movie tickets and more! Even those who have waited months, it’s not too late to enter!
The prize draws for the Positive Ticketing program will be taking place at a wrap up celebration open to the entire community. The party will take place at Waiting Room Cafe (288 Kinniburgh Blvd #101) on March 18, 2016 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm. Feel free to drop in to see how positively this initiative has impacted youth, enjoy complimentary refreshments, win door prizes, and meet the Positive Ticketing Committee members.
If you are interested in coming on board and supporting this great initiative either with your time, financial contribution, or prizes, please contact Lori Cheng at chestermerepositiveticketing@gmail.com.
