“This was a big day to give money back to veterans and someone came and stole it.” The Summerland Legion’s Remembrance Day success was ruined on Friday night after thieves broke in, stealing cash and rubbish. Extensive damage was caused to several doors, the ATM and electronic equipment. About $700 in Poppy Fund donations were stolen. “Well, they came through our patio, they broke down the door and all of our alarm systems. They killed everything. We have cameras and they took all the guts out of all that stuff and stole all of our donations that we got from yesterday. They took the cash machine and completely destroyed it,” said branch President Marg Lynum. The branch will also have to pay the insurance deductible, which is estimated to be around $1000. The branch said they weren’t sure if all the damage would be covered by insurance. “I hesitate to call these bad people sophisticated thieves, but apparently they had bagged the branch on Memorial Day to disable the security system and get in and out quickly without detection. They brought important breaking and entering tools to Jimmy the doors and open the ATM,” John Dorn, the legion’s former president, said in a statement. “One can only hope that one of these individuals, realizing that they have stolen money intended to help Veterans, has a change of heart and does the right thing.” The legion said they have called the RCMP, who have already come to investigate, and their security, which they have not yet been able to get. “It’s just like the Grinch who stole Christmas. I mean, how can they do this to veterans?” Lynum said. “It’s just the fact that they would do this on Memorial Day when we’re trying to get money to help our veterans and that’s when they hit us. How can someone be so disrespectful?” Lynum added that the whole event is very disheartening, especially since everyone donated to help. “We’re just coming back because of COVID. We’re just starting to get back on our feet. Now, this happened.” The legion is asking anyone who may have information about the theft to contact the Summerland RCMP. Donations are accepted at the legion, located at 14205 Rosedale Ave.
