 Youth pastor Andre Trepanier is unimpressed yesterday by the empty tables -- which were filled with donated food and gifts Wednesday -- at the Prescott-Russell Church of God in Riceville. (QMI/Errol McGihon)
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OTTAWA -- Stealing from the needy is the “lowest of lows,” says the pastor of a Riceville church that was burglarized Wednesday night.
Rev. Maynard Chant said food and toys that were intended for Christmas baskets for the poor were stolen from the Riceville Food Bank, which operates out of the Prescott-Russell Church of God. The small community is located about 80 km east of Ottawa.
“It’s a shame. It’s a shame. When you are taking from the food bank and taking from the poor, that is the lowest of lows,” said Chant. “All around, it’s a tragedy.”
The stolen goods amount to about 65% of what makes up about 100 baskets. Each basket has a turkey or ham and gifts.
The baskets were to be delivered Saturday. They give the families a sense of the holidays, said Chant.
Food bank co-ordinator Joyce Deslaurier noticed there had been a break-in shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday.
She said everything had been rifled through.
It’s believed whoever is responsible smashed the window in the side door and climbed through.
That door leads to another door, which was ripped off its hinges, Deslaurier said.
“They took some presents that we had wrapped for children for Christmas. I am very discouraged. Two days before the date of giving the (baskets). I barely have anything left in the cupboards,” said Deslaurier, who called Chant and police to report the crime.
Luckily, much of the donated food had yet to be delivered to the church.
Churches and community groups are trying to make up for the losses.
“They (the thieves) helped themselves pretty good,” said Deslaurier, who has been volunteering at the food bank for seven years.
Despite being hurt by the crime, she doesn’t hold anything against those responsible.
“I forgive them. Jesus forgives them,” she said.
Police have made no arrests.
How you can help: If you want to help the Riceville Food Bank with a donation, call 613-298-6400.
kenneth.jackson@sunmedia.ca
