RCMP Members are proud to serve their communities all across Canada. But they’re much more than your local police officer: they’re your neighbours, friends, sports coaches, and volunteers. Many Members give back far beyond their normal workday to help build their communities into safe, vibrant spaces.
As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of compassion, community, and the simple act of giving back that unfolds all across Canada. Actions like the remarkable dedication and kindness of Constable Khanh Tran, a General Duty Member with the Burnaby RCMP in B.C., whose commitment extends far beyond her policing duties.
A Journey Into Policing
Cst. Tran’s journey began long before she earned the RCMP’s iconic Red Serge. Growing up in a military household shaped by her father’s service in Vietnam and her parents’ courageous journey to Canada, she learned early what sacrifice, hope, and new beginnings mean. Their story ignited her desire to serve the country that offered her family an opportunity; to give back in the same spirit that shaped her childhood.
From seeing RCMP Members in Nanaimo as a young girl to discovering the depth and diversity of policing roles across the country, she chose the RCMP with both admiration and purpose. Today, eight years into her career, she continues to serve on the frontline, where her passion lies. Whether responding to 9-1-1 calls, navigating the evolving complexities of a fast-growing city, or working shoulder-to-shoulder with a team she describes as “solid, quick, and always ready to back each other up,” she approaches her work with gratitude and strength.
Giving Back Beyond the Badge
But it’s her work beyond the badge — her dedication to Northern communities, especially those in Nunavut — that shines even brighter during this season of giving.
Through relief postings, Cst. Tran has spent time in Canada’s North, experiencing firsthand the warmth, simplicity, and resilience of the communities she served. The joy of children playing hockey at 2 a.m., the kindness of kids guiding her to an address when she was still learning the layout of her new town — these moments stayed with her. They reminded her of her own childhood, when, “less toys and more essentials” still came with big smiles.
In Nunavut she witnessed the challenges of accessibility for essential and fun items – like toys, and where everyday items often cost up to three times more. Those observations sparked a heartfelt determination to help.
Cst. Tran is making a meaningful difference for families and youth living in remote Northern communities. Four years ago. Cst. Tran got involved with a colleague’s charitable project which inspired her to try something herself. Initially, she worked on developing roughly 35 “holiday kits” filled with things like children’s books, school supplies, treats, and essentials. This year, she amplified her efforts even further.
She rallied colleagues, invited other Members and staff in the detachment to donate toys, coordinated community support, and even auctioned rare challenge coins to raise funds. Her dream? To one day support every community in Nunavut. Each year, she selects a different community by connecting with a Member traveling north for relief and coordinating with their detachment so the project can be shared face-to-face with the detachment commander. Over the years, she has reached Hall Beach in 2021; Pond Inlet in 2022; Naujaat in 2023-2024; and this year, all packages were sent to Kugaaruk, Nunavut—supporting children from kindergarten to Grade 4. One community at a time, she continues to move steadily toward her goal. This year alone, that meant more than 135 kits delivered to children and families across the North.
Service Before Self: A Calling, Not Just a Career
Her advice to others hoping to join the RCMP — especially those dreaming of Northern service — is shaped by experience: be willing to put in the work, stay compassionate, hold on to positivity, and know that there is a place for you here. She believes fiercely in breaking barriers and being the representative she hadn’t previously experienced.
As we embrace the warmth of the holidays, we celebrate Cst. Tran and the hundreds of other Members supporting their own communities — not only for her service, but for her heart. Her initiative reminds us that giving back doesn’t have to be grand; it just has to be genuine. And when one person leads with purpose, others follow.