REGINA, Sask. — Pumpkin Patrol is officially 30 years old.
Since the program began, Access Communications Co-operative (Access) staff and volunteers have spent every Halloween helping to keep the magic alive and the monsters at bay.
This year, teams will once again patrol nine Saskatchewan communities to help keep little ghosts, goblins and the occasional superhero safe while collecting candy.
“When Pumpkin Patrol started, some of today’s parents were the ones in costume. Now their kids are the ones trick-or-treating, and honestly, we’re not sure who’s more excited for Halloween: them or us,” said Carmela Haines, president and CEO of Access.
“Our teams will be out to reassure families, watch for safety issues, and, if needed, quickly connect with law enforcement, to help make sure the only scares on Halloween night are the fun kind. To every staff member and volunteer who has traded their Halloween night for a patrol shift over the past three decades, and to our police, RCMP, emergency, and sponsor partners: thank you. You’re the real treat. Here’s to the next 30.”
What to expect
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Access vehicles will feature a flashing orange light, glow-in-the-dark signage and a direct link to local law enforcement.
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Volunteers will patrol neighbourhoods from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the Battlefords, Estevan, Martensville, Melville, La Ronge (Air Ronge), Regina, Warman, Weyburn and Yorkton.
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If anyone needs help, they can flag down an Access vehicle. Staff and volunteers will contact local police services to get them the help they need.
Access Communications Pumpkin Patrol is sponsored by Harvard Media and delivered with the support of local police and RCMP services, WPD Ambulance Services in North Battleford and La Ronge EMS.
To learn more about Pumpkin Patrol, visit the Access Communications website.
