OPP officers who observe local youth doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behavior will be able to recognize that young person with a "ticket" that is actually a coupon for a free hot chocolate beverage valid at all participating Mac's stores in Ontario throughout the winter [image-nocss] of 2011.
In addition to recognizing good behavior, Operation Heat 2011 promotes opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a po sitive manner in support of the OPP Positive Ticketing Program. Officers may use the coupons to recognize youth for doing good deeds, participating in community activities, picking up trash, pro-actively deterring crime or observing safe-street crossing rules. Officers can also make use of the coupons as literal "icebreakers" to establish a dialogue with kids in their patrol area.
"Operation Heat provides law enforcement with an additional tool to initiate communication and reward our youth in a positive way," said Sean Sportun, manager of loss prevention and security for Mac's in Central Canada. "Mac's strives to be a leader in crime prevention, and we are very excited about this new initiative and the positive message it helps deliver."
Inspector Mark Allen, manager of the OPP Crime Prevention Section, said, "The OPP is pleased to once again participate in an initiative that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behavior. Partnering with local business and engaging our youth in a positive manner builds partnerships that make our communities stronger."
Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. currently operates a network of 5,904 convenience stores, 4,178 of which include motor-fuel dispensing. The stores are operated by 12 business units, including nine in the United States (primarily under the Circle K banner) covering 42 states and the District of Columbia, and three in Canada (under the Couche-Tard and Mac's banner) covering all 10 provinces.
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