Appropriate acts could include helping clean up local neighborhoods and parks, helping another person or participating in other positive activity in the community. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at local 7-Eleven stores.[image-nocss]
Since the program's inception in 1995, more than 10 million coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores. In 2010, one million coupons will be issued nationally: 2,000 of these will be available through officers of the Lynn Police Department to local youth.
Operation Chill was developed by Dallas-based 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior during the hot summer months when communities may experience increases in loitering, graffiti and other destructive behavior. Police use the Operation Chill program to reward youth for their good deeds as well as enhance their relations with the young people.Las Vegas, Palm Bay, Fla., and Newington, Conn., among other locations in the United States and Canada, are also participating in the program.Separately, a program developed by Mac's Convenience Stores in Toronto rewards positive behavior with a cool treat. Operation Freeze launched on June 9. Police officers will "ticket" youth with Froster coupons when they are seen doing something positive in their community, such as volunteer work, following safety rules or deterring crime.
The free Froster coupons will be issued during the school year and throughout the summer months.
The fourth anniversary of the program will see 25,000 Operation Freeze coupons distributed to the various police services in central Canada, where Mac's operates stores, and will continue to enhance police relations with the young people of their community.
"These coupons will be excellent for police officers who are patrolling our communities", said Sean Sportun, manager of loss prevention and security for Mac's in Central Canada and chair of Toronto Crime Stoppers. "It's an icebreaker, a way to initiate communication in a nonthreatening, nonlaw enforcement setting."
He added, "Mac's strives to be a leader in crime prevention. We are very excited about Operation Freeze and the positive message it will have on our community."
Detective Darlene Ross said, "Toronto Crime Stoppers is very proud to a part of this initiative. It will help build the relationship between the police and our youth. Trust will eventually
follow."
Youngsters ticketed will receive coupons good for a 710ml Froster that can be redeemed at all participating Mac's stores.
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