The theft from a Salvation Army kettle has brought out Thunder Bay’s generosity.
That’s what Maj. Mervyn Halvorsen, the local organization’s executive director, said when he found that residents not only matched the amount stolen a few days ago but surpassed it.
On Thursday night, a woman stole from the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign collection box and made off with $490 in cash. Halvorsen said the woman approached the staff as they were counting the money for the night and asked for information. As they turned to deal with the request, the suspect grabbed the cash and fled.
Since that incident, donations have come in to help cover the loss. Halvorsen said he’s so thankful for all those that have given so much to the Salvation Army.
“We have received thus far a number of cheques for the $490 that were stolen and we’re just amazed,” Halvorsen said on Sunday. “That just shows the heart of Thunder Bay. (The theft) hasn’t impacted us so far. The heart of Thunder Bay really came out to make up what was taken and we’re that much closer now to our target. This just proves that Thunder Bay comes out and goes above and beyond when things like this happen.”
The charity was in the midst of its annual fundraising drive with the goal of $150,000. To date they’ve collected nearly $115,000 of that total, with kettles scheduled to be run until Christmas Eve.
