CALGARY – Calgary police are investigating after 22 poppy boxes were lifted around the city this November.
The annual Poppy Fund drive started Oct. 31, with volunteers collecting loose change and donations for struggling veterans and their families. On average, that means more than two boxes have been stolen each day.
On average, donation boxes contain about $50, but charity organizers said there’s no way of knowing exactly how much money has been stolen.
The charity’s CEO, Joey Belviss said a lot of the money goes to veterans on low-income pensions or other fixed incomes.
“It’s really disheartening from that respect,” said Belviss.
Donations for the company are already down about 11 per cent this year. Belviss attributed the drop to the economic downturn.
“We notice that the donation amount is less than people usually contribute, because people still want to give, but of course feeding their families has to be their first priority.”
Belviss added the recent rise in donation box thefts means the charity will not be in a position to help as many veterans as they would like this year.
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