Young Crossfieldians who make a difference in their community through volunteerism and charitable efforts now have the chance to be recognized and win big as part of the municipality's “Do Good in Your Hood” initiative.
As part of the program, a municipal enforcement officer will “ticket” youth who are caught doing good in the community beginning in March through to April. The feel-good ticket will include a coupon for a free treat to be used at a business in town, along with a chance to win additional prizes throughout the year.
According to Nicole Vandenberghe, family and community support services and community development coordinator for the Town of Crossfield, though the initiative was first introduced in 2018, staffing changes and the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to the project until it was resurrected this year.
“When I started with the Town at the end of November [2021], I looked for different [initiatives] from previous years prior to the pandemic and this one really caught my eye,” she said.
She added this year, Crossfield's chamber of commerce has donated “chamber bucks” toward the initiative, which can be redeemed solely at local businesses.
“Every two months for four draws in total, we will do a draw for the youth who are ticketed, and they’ll have a chance to win $25 in “chamber bucks,” said Nicole, adding most Crossfield business owners now accept the “chamber bucks” vouchers as a form of valid payment.
Vandenberghe added youth who are ticketed can use the prize money to get doughnuts from the Donut Man, groceries at Carmen's Bigway Foods, dinner at a local restaurant, or a slice of pizza from Crossfield Pizza, to name a few of the options.
At the end of the year, all the youth who received tickets will be entered to win a grand prize, which will be awarded in December. In addition, one lucky winner will be dubbed Crossfield’s Youth of the Year, and will take home a special prize basket.
She said the positive ticketing program enables the Town to reward do-gooders and advocate for volunteerism across the community.
“We really want to recognize the youth who do positive things in our community and strive to make Crossfield a better place for all,” she said. “It also allows us to promote volunteerism in the community.”
The program also allows law enforcement to build up a good rapport with the youth in Crossfield, according to Vandenberghe.
“They work in the community, and they really do want to see Crossfield be better as well,” she said. “So, the positive ticketing program gives them that little bit more of an in with the youth [through] talking with them.”
Vandenberghe said she hopes to show the youth who are ticketed they are appreciated by the community and that Crossfield is a friendly place to live.
“I hope they understand and know that any form of positive interactions and volunteering in our community is highly appreciated,” she said. “Regardless how big or small they may think their positive interactions in our community are, it’s a huge thing for this town.
“Those positive interactions in our community are the driving force that brings us all together. Big or small, those things need to be recognized.”
The application process for ticket-recipients begins March 1. Vandenberghe said residents can email her department directly and she will collect the necessary information.
She added applicants should include the name of the individual along with a reason for their nomination.
