The Girls Group at Windermere Secondary teamed up with Vancouver Police Department to bring cheer to students in need at eleven district elementary schools.

For 32 years, VPD's Motorcycle Drill Team has been supporting less fortunate children with its Kops for Kids fundraising drive. This year Kops for Kids raised more than $20,000 to provided presents and holiday meals for deserving children and families.

With financial support from Kops for Kids, Cst. Mariya Zhalovaga, the school liaison officer at Windermere, asked the Girls Group if they would help her shop for the presents, wrap them and deliver them to nearby elementary schools. She wanted the girls to learn leadership, compassion and team work through the exercise.

The girls enthusiastically took on the task. With Cst. Zhalovaga and other VPD officers, the girls helped buy $4,000 of presents and transport them back to Windermere in three police vans.

With assistance from other school liaison officers, school administrators, VPD cadets, VPD traffic officers and student volunteers from Windermere, Girls Group quickly had about 150 presents wrapped.

"I have been so proud of the girls with their enthusiasm, passion and energy for such a great cause," said Cst. Zhalovaga.

Grade 9 student Haisha Beauvoir said Girls Group was creating opportunities to give back to the community and for its members to develop themselves.

"It opens a lot of doors," she said. "It's also good for building foundations for later on."

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