The 100 Mile House Wranglers Barbeque Wagon was broken into on Friday, July 19.
An unknown individual(s) broke into the wagon Friday night ahead of Hot July Nights and stole soft drinks, hamburgers and a garbage can, believed to be used to carry off the ill-gotten goods. The Wranglers Barbeque Wagon is used to raise money for the Wranglers hockey team and the fact someone stole from a non-profit was "absolutely devastating" for Wranglers volunteer Donna Barnett.
"It's very low. You've taken away from volunteer organizations, you've taken away from the youth. The only way we have to raise money is by knocking on doors of businesses who do what they can for us," stated Barnett about her feelings on the matter.
Thankfully Maureen Pinkney, secretary for the Wranglers, had taken home an estimated $1,100 the Wranglers made Friday evening as Hot July Nights began.
"Maureen is a treasurer, always looking after the treasurer stuff. And she always takes the money home," noted Barnett.
Despite this, Pinkney said the Wranglers had to replace their food and drinks prior to Hot July Nights Show'N'Shine on Sunday. She agreed with Barnett that the theft was "very disheartening."
"There's a lot of opportunities, food banks and things for people to get food if it's in need," Pinkney said. "And if it was strictly out of greed, then that's just really annoying."
Both Barnett and Pinkney stated that they planned to file a report to the 100 Mile House RCMP over the matter. On the morning after the theft, both of them were making and selling bacon and eggers for those who wanted to have breakfast during Hot July Nights.
Pinkney told the simplymastery on Monday, July 22 that the public responded to the theft with some generous donations given to the BBQ Wagon throughout the weekend. In addition to the FreshCo providing them a discount on replacing the food, as they always do, Pinkney said a private member of the community helped them replace their drinks.
When all was said and done Pinkney estimated they raised $2,000 for the Wranglers, after the cost of food and fuel were deducted. This provided a silver lining to the situation.
"We love our community and how everyone is always so supportive when things happen," Pinkney said.
Barnett encourages anyone with information on the theft to contact the 100 Mile House RCMP non-emergency number at 250-395-2456 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.
"Anyone who has gotten any clues, go to the RCMP or come and talk to us," stated Barnett.
