The sight of teenagers in a shopping mall is not a rare occurrence but some junior high students spent part of Wednesday shopping with some unusual company in uniform.

Marlborough Mall hosted its 11th annual CopShop event bringing together 27 worthy teenagers, selected from nine area junior high schools, with members of the Calgary Police Service for a shopping spree.

“The kids are (selected) on merit, volunteerism, sportsmanship,” explained Kim Wiltse, Marlborough Mall’s marketing director. “Just good kids who need a little extra Christmas cheer.”

Each student received a $200 gift card from the mall and many stores offered the teenagers discounts or provided items at no cost to be including in stockings. The students were paired with members of the Calgary Police Service who had volunteered their time to the cause.

“We have officers that will come back every year because they know how important it is to the community and how much of a great time they have with the students,” said CPS Cst. Chris Langham. “This is a positive interaction with (the young people). I think it really does build a strong relationship and then they can see who we are and just get to know us a little bit more on a personal level.”

Dino Mtokambali, a student at Sir Wilfrid Laurier School, says he was humbled by his selection but admits that he takes part in a lot of sports, clubs and school activities. With his gift card, Mtokambali planned to buy birthday gifts for friends.

Plans are already underway for Marlborough Mall's 2017 CopShop. Similar events are held each year at malls throughout Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia.