A rash of thefts has cost the Canadian Cancer Society between $5,000 and $10,000 dollars.
Twenty-seven daffodil pin fundraising boxes have been stolen from businesses in White Rock, Surrey, Delta, Maple Ridge and Chilliwack.
Sixteen alone have been taken in Chilliwack, and local RCMP are investigating. Video surveillance footage from the locations where it was available is being reviewed.
“We do have a suspect for at least one of the thefts,” says Cst. Tracy Wolbeck. “It is too early to indicate if there is a connection between the thefts, but it’s not likely that one person is responsible for all 27.”
During Daffodil Month Canadians donate money and wear daffodil pins to show support for those living with cancer and those who have lost loved ones to the disease. This year, the CCS has more than 3,100 pin box locations across BC, with 900 in the Fraser Valley.
“This number of thefts is highly unusual and it is absolutely shameful,” said Ron Kuehl, vice-president of revenue development with the BC and Yukon CCS. “These funds are intended to support those on a cancer journey and more than ever before, we need the Fraser Valley’s help to fight back and help us rebuild what we have lost.”
The CCS and RCMP are working together to put additional protection measures in place for the pin boxes.
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society help to fund critical cancer prevention and advocacy initiatives, cancer research and the delivery of compassionate support services in BC and Yukon.
“We rely on the generosity of the community to support the important work we do in the fight against cancer,” said Kuehl. “We are asking the residents of the Fraser Valley to rally with us so that we can continue in that fight.”