Happy twist to stolen poppy donations in Vernon
VERNON – Something good has come of an unfortunate crime earlier this week in Vernon.
Bosley’s pet store manager Dawn Vipond says after news got out that someone stole a tray of poppy pins and donations from the shop, the community turned the tale around.
“We’ve had a bunch of individuals come in just to donate, not even to shop,” Vipond says. “Two individuals donated $100 each. It’s absolutely amazing and very heartwarming.”
The culprit made off with about $20 in donations, leaving Vipond upset that someone would go so low as to steal from veterans. Seeing the community’s generosity restored her faith in people.
“I knew our community had this in them, I know there’s more good people in it than bad, but this just made me cry,” she says.
The community members who came in just to offer a donation touched her heart, she says.
“The one man said ‘I heard something terrible happened here the other day, I was wondering if this would help?’ And then he handed me a $100 bill. I was blown away,” she says.
Police are investigating the theft and anyone who recognizes the photo of the suspect below is asked to contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers. Anyone with information can contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
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2 responses
That’s my girl always showing compassion for others!! Anyone who knows Dawn will tell you she has a heart bigger than most. She works hard for the ones who suffer and has a great need to help others. XO thanks for sharing sweetheart xo love auntie Vicki
Awesome!