It certainly didn’t impress those at Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Courtenay Wednesday morning when staff realized a sentimental piece of music memorabilia was stolen from their fundraising ‘She Shed’ in front of the 13th Street store.
Volunteer manager Terri Perrin said around 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, a Shania Twain jacket donated by her daughter to decorate the ‘cowgirl chic’-themed shed (which is to be raffled later this fall) was stolen.
The decorated sheds are yearly fundraisers for the organization, which uses the proceeds to help build homes for families in the community. The goal this year was to raise $20,000.
This is the sixth themed shed the organization had been built and decorated to raise funds.
While the shed was open for viewing in front of their store, it had a rope across the front limiting access, explained Perrin.
She said an “older man” was seen exiting from the shed, then ducked under the rope, jumped into a car in the parking lot and drove away.
While the organization does have security cameras inside the store and in parts of the yard, they did not have any in that particular area of the lot.
“It’s extremely disappointing, and it’s pretty brazen to steal from a non-profit,” added Perrin.
She noted the pink-and-white satin jacket, which is from Twain’s 2003/2004 tour, doesn’t have much monetary value (similar ones can be found online for around $35), it has sentimental value, and adds overall value to the shed.
“It’s an integral part of the decorative theme. We would like to have it returned - no questions asked.”
Or, as Shania Twain would say…
Perrin said the Comox Valley RCMP have been notified of the theft.
The draw for the She Shed is set for Dec.15. To contact Habitat, call 250-334-3784.