Parkland Mall shoppers will be entertained to see a couple of police officers suspended on scaffolding in front of Walmart the weekend of August 22 through 24. It’s “Free the Fuzz” weekend, and these courageous cops have committed to staying on the scaffolding until they meet their goal of raising $25,000 for the Special Olympics. Their efforts will be supported on the ground with music, dancing and encouragement from Special Olympians and onlookers, and a barbeque by donation. All donations go straight to the Special Olympics.
“A volunteer from RCMP and one from Alberta Sheriffs will stay up on the scaffolding the entire weekend, from 9 am Friday through to 4 pm on Sunday – they will only come down 
earlier if we meet our goal of $25,000,” says Constable Jeff Hewitt with Red Deer RCMP. “The Special Olympics is an important community organization that showcases some great athletes, so mark your calendars and make sure to come by, enjoy the show and throw your money in the bucket for this excellent cause.”
The Free the Fuzz ground party encouraging the officers will take place from 9 am to 7 pm Friday and Saturday, and from 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Last year, police reached their target of $25,000 in donations at 4 pm on the Sunday; this year, they hope to reach that goal even earlier and free the fuzz from their perches ahead of schedule.
Members from Red Deer RCMP also volunteer for Special Olympics Torch Runs and Torch Rides, participate in the Polar Bear Dip and wait tables at “Cops for Crepes” to raise funds for the Special Olympics each year.
The dance photos are from “Free the Fuzz 2013.”