NFLA executive director Deborah Hollins is raising community awareness of what she calls "hurtful thefts" impacting the organization recently. (Ian Holmes/NanamioNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

police investigation

VIDEO: ‘It’s unacceptable’: thefts of red dresses and pride flag angers Nanaimo non profit

Dec 14, 2021 | 1:11 PM

NANAIMO — A local non-profit organization well known for supporting marginalized people is discouraged by a series of disturbing thefts.

Since late November four red dresses positioned in front of Nanaimo Family Life Association’s (NFLA) Townsite Rd. office were stolen, while an LGBTQ2SIA+ flag was also swiped during that time.

Executive director Deborah Hollins said the items highlighted their unwavering support of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

“That really sends the message that we’re being targeted,” Hollins told NanaimoNewsNOW

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She filed a police report on Monday, Dec 13, while the organization now has a video security system in place.

Hollins replaced the latest of the stolen dresses with a new one on the morning of Tuesday, Dec 14.

The most recent dress theft happened over the weekend, just prior to the new security measure in place.

“There are really active efforts to negate inclusion as a fundamental right for every human being in our society,” Hollins said.

She said many people have shown support during this distressing time since news of what happened was shared on the NFLA Facebook page.

“In one instance we had a community member who stepped up and brought a red dress to replace for us, which was a lovely gesture. Unfortunately, that dress has also been stolen as well.”

In addition to the thefts, Hollins said a recent nasty phone call to the organization from an unidentified male contended NFLA is too heavily focused on female issues.

Hollins said having the community at large denouncing this kind of behaviour goes a long way.

“Not only do you assure the clients that there are people who stand for you and with you, but you also assure staff that you’re not alone in this work, that there are people who are supporting the agency.”

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien confirmed their detachment has opened an investigation into the thefts outside the NFLA office.

He said they aren’t prepared to call these incidents hate crimes just yet.

“It’s too early to categorize the incidents. Our objective is to find out who’s responsible and put a stop to it,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien added there are no suspects or witnesses in relation to the thefts.

Nanaimo RCMP continue investigating the incident involving damage inflicted to the pride sidewalk at the Bastion/Commercial St. intersection this past summer.

The quickly restored graffiti-damaged feature is considered by police to be a hate-motivated crime

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes