Funds for West Kelowna cemetery theft victims sought

Months after 55 bronze markers were stolen from a West Kelowna cemetery, the City is accepting donations to help the victims.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, bronze markers from 55 memorial plots in the Westbank Cemetery were stolen. They were later recovered on Sept. 23; however, 20 were damaged beyond repair.

The fund to help impacted families sits at $1,930 as of Friday evening, the City of West Kelowna said. To cover the full costs, $10,000 is needed.

Donations can be made in person at City Hall or by mail until Friday, Dec. 6. Donors will be provided a tax donation receipt for donations exceeding $20. Donors are asked to provide their name, address and a contact phone number to receive the charitable donation receipt.

Families whose memorials must be replaced can apply to be reimbursed for a portion of their costs, depending on the donations received. Distribution of the donations will be done after Dec. 6 and after all of the markers have been replaced. Families will need to provide a receipt of purchase for their replacement memorials. The City has sourced reduced price options from suppliers for memorial markers. Families are encouraged to consider memorial options that are not attractive to thieves, like granite, which is also less expensive than bronze. The City will waive its installation fees for impacted families.

For more information about the fund and how to donate, call the City’s Finance Department at 778-797-2220. For information about memorial options contact the Cemetery Office at 778-797-8875.

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