The cargo van belonging to Nanaimo Community Hospice was broken into and the ignition damaged sometime before Tuesday, May 5. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HOSPICE VANDALISM

‘There are those out there who just don’t seem to care:’ hospice van damaged during attempted theft

May 7, 2020 | 7:12 AM

NANAIMO — A vehicle which is vital to the success and operation of Nanaimo Community Hospice was damaged recently in an attempted theft.

Damage was discovered on Tuesday, May 5 when a staff member who had loaded the van full of equipment tried to drive it away from the Hospice thrift store on Bowen Rd.

Jeanne Fahlman, director of development for Hospice, told NanaimoNewsNOW someone gained access through the rear door of the cargo van and damaged the ignition with tools left inside.

She added the damage is heartbreaking for an organization struggling during the pandemic.

“All our money comes from donors and around $150,000 to $200,000 comes from that thrift store, which is huge to us. It’s shut down, we still have all the expenses of our lease, power and everything else, now to have to repair this van is just a hardship.”

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Insurance will likely cover the repair bill, however it takes the vehicle out of service during a difficult time for the organization.

“We’ve got all these people who want to help and make a difference and then there are those out there who just don’t seem to care, they just want what they want and need what they need…they don’t seem to want to take responsibility.”

Damage done to the ignition of the Hospice van during an attempted theft recently. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

COVID-19 has forced the suspension of many volunteer-driven activities for groups like Hospice. Around 50 volunteers work closely with those in palliative care at NRGH and other locations around Nanaimo.

Access to areas with high-risk people such as long term care facilities has been restricted to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Our volunteers aren’t able to be there right now, which is stressful to them because they’re the people they really care about…now they almost feel like they’ve had to abandon them.”

RCMP said it’s not certain how entry was gained to the van. They’re asking anyone with information to contact the Nanaimo detachment.

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