Photo generates tips in Enderby donation box theft

VERNON – A photo released by police has generated a possible suspect in an Enderby case involving a stolen donation box.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says Mounties might be a step closer to finding out who’s responsible for taking a donation box from the Esso in Enderby. The donations were intended to support the family of three-year-old Ava Cairns with funeral expenses for the toddler.

“At this point we have not been able to identify for sure who the suspect is,” Molendyk says.

The detachment will be following up on the tip. Anyone with more information is asked to contact the RCMP.

“Theft is one thing, but of course when you steal from those in need whether a donation box for poppies for veterans, for the Salvation Army, or in a case like this (donations) to assist a family of a three-year-old, it raises the ire,” Molendyk says.

A fundraising page was created Dec. 17 to raise additional funds for Ava Cairns’ funeral. A write up on the webpage says Ava was struck with a sudden illness and didn’t make it.

You can call the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.