Poppy donation thefts rare, but angering to P.A. Legion

Despite a major outpouring of support for veterans following the deaths of two soldiers on Canadian soil, a member of the Legion says it seems some felt their own needs were greater.

Police confirm two poppy trees both with donations inside were stolen from Tim Hortons in Prince Albert during the first week of November. The “trees” are containers with poppies and a slot for people to put donations in.

Carol Eybersen, chairperson with the poppy campaign for the Prince Albert Legion, said it frustrates her that anyone could steal these donation boxes.  

“I was angry, very angry,” said Eyberson.

People stealing the donation boxes are incredibly rare, she added. The last one she can recall was 15 years ago. Despite a veteran manning the table, the brash thief grabbed the donations and ran away.

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She added that police were contacted immediately.

“The poppies and the money were stolen,” said Eybersen. “I got a phone call that it had been stolen and that they had called the police.”

Prince Albert Police said they are actively investigating the theft of the boxes from two Tim Hortons, the first at 3223 Second Avenue West and the second at the Cornerstone location.

The small plastic displays can contain anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred according to Eybersen.

“I just finished counting one of those little trees up and it came out to $360,” said Eybersen. “Some of them have only two or three dollars and some have quite a bit.”

She emphasized this money is meant only to provide financial aid to Canadian veterans.  This means the thieves took funds directly destined for veterans.

“Us as a Legion cannot touch that money, it’s got nothing to do with us,” said Eybersen. “The only thing we do is run the campaign, collect the money and put it in trust for use for the veterans.”

 “People just don’t think that they’re robbing the veterans of that money. I guess they must be harder up than the veterans.”

Although she was initially angry, Eyberson said she hoped it went to someone desperate.

“If you needed the money that bad I hope it was to feed your kids… It’s still wrong but it wouldn’t be as bad.” – Carol Eyberson

In regards to funds raised this year, Eybersen said they haven’t finished counting just yet but she has noticed an increase.

“I have noticed a lot of paper money this year, more than normal,” said Eybersen. “I’m quite sure there was an increase.”

She added they had about 130 poppy trees in businesses across the city.

According to Prince Albert Police they have collected surveillance from the thefts and are confident the guilty party will be tracked down.

The news of the poppy donation box thefts in the city follows the report of poppy box thefts in Moose Jaw.

In that incident a 31-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly stealing two poppy tree donation boxes.

In the Moose Jaw case police were able to retrieve $40 which had been in the boxes at the time they were stolen.

– with files from Chelsea Laskowski

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim