Donations pour in to help Nanaimo charity hit hard by thieves

 The worst in people is inspiring the best in Nanaimo. Skye Ryan reports.

Generous people are stepping up to help in a big way after CHEK News’ report on the theft of back-to-school supplies bound for Nanaimo’s low-income children aired last night.

“Yeah we’re running out of room. It’s pretty crazy,” says Dave Lawrence of That 50’s Barbershop where Fresh Start: Back to School is based.

Islanders are rushing to help stock the Nanaimo barbershop with backpacks and back-to-school supplies to meet the needs of the low-income kids.

Thieves stole 20 backpacks from the Fresh Start charity , just days before head of the big giveaway.

“Oh it’s been amazing,” says Lawrence. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing we’ve had probably 20 people donate stuff so far today. An outpouring online. It’s been staggering. It’s shocking how much the community’s pulling together to help out our cause. It’s great.”

When staff at Monk office supplies saw the news report they reached out to help.

“So we are going to send them 10 backpacks packed with crayons and papers,” says Caitlyn McKenzie of Monk Office.

“That’s even greater,” says Lawrence of the Monk Office’s offer. “That’s amazing. That’s awesome.”

RCMP are still looking for the stolen backpacks but now instead of scrambling to come up with supplies so no child is empty handed Saturday, Dave Lawrence is overwhelmed with the reaction that shows how much Islanders want to help our kids.

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