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Police act fast, arrests made in donation jar theft

A donation jar at a Keremeos gas station was stolen, police make arrest within 24 hours
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Submitted Police arrested two young adults who allegedly stole a donation jar for a woman who was seriously injured in a car crash earlier this month.

It took less than 24 hours to track down two people who allegedly stole a donation jar for a young woman involved in a car accident earlier this month.

Cpl. Brian Evans said he arrested two young men at the corner of 7th Avenue and 7th Street (at the main corner down the hill) Tuesday afternoon. He was not able to release their names as they had not yet been formally charged.

“I located two suspects we believe are involved in a series of thefts including the theft from the Hilltop Esso and another theft at the liquor store,” he said.

Evans said sadly the money was already gone.

“We weren’t able to retrieve the money raised for that young woman, unfortunately,” he said.

It was discovered the jar for Caitlynn Webb, who was the passenger in a car that left the roadway on Highway 3A near Olalla Feb. 2, was stolen Monday. Webb suffered extensive injuries in the crash including cracking her pelvis in three places, breaking her leg, and two fingers. She’s underwent surgery for some of her injuries.

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Ginette Schuk, a friend of Webb’s said she was “disgusted” someone would take the money. The jars had been out at several locations for about two weeks. They were about to be retrieved and given to her to help with bills while she is healing. Webb remains in hospital.

“It makes me so upset. People were being generous and trying to help a lovely person in the community and then someone goes and does this,” she said.

It’s unknown how much money was in the jar.

“I’ve just been told it was looking pretty full. It’s really sad that she won’t have that to help her, but we’re planning a fundraiser in March and we’re hoping to do a 50/50 at a fundraiser this weekend.”

Schuk along with her friend Chantel Molyneaux are holding a Purrthday Party Friday night at the Branding Iron in honour of their birthdays and to raise money for Betty Hansen - Keremeos’ resident cat helper. Betty helps take care of stray and injured cats before they can be taken to a cat rescue. The women had wanted to have a DJ’d party somewhere in Keremeos and decided to make it a fundraiser.

“We thought if we were getting a DJ anyways why not do something to help someone and we thought Betty was a perfect fit,” she said.

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“We’re really excited to be holding this fundraiser for Betty. She does so much for the community by taking care of these cats.”

It cost $5 to get into the party. There will be door prizes, and several 50/50 draws throughout the evening. The first will go to Betty to help her with the cats while the other one will go to Webb. DJ Jodel will be DJing the party.

Schuk said she’s still working out details but she’s hoping to have a dinner, silent and maybe live auction on March 24 for Webb. More details to come.