As many Canadians prepared to honour those who served and sacrificed for their country, money raised through an annual poppy campaign was stolen from a Nanaimo restaurant just days before Remembrance Day. Nanaimo RCMP say the theft happened around 10 p.m. Nov. 8 at Panago Pizza on Island Highway North. The collection box was part of the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual fundraising campaign. Investigators have obtained surveillance footage showing a woman entering the restaurant, picking up the collection box and walking out of the restaurant with it. Police describe the woman as white, with long blonde hair. She was wearing a black and white toque and carrying a red purse. Inspector Donovan Tait, operations officer with Nanaimo RCMP, says the circumstances surrounding the theft are particularly upsetting given the purpose of the fundraising effort. “It is disheartening to learn of these thefts given that they are intended to support Canadian veterans and their families,” Tait said in a release. Police are hoping someone will recognize the woman or have information that could help investigators identify her. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and reference file number 2026-37473.
