A couple of seniors in Cumberland have been experiencing frightful attacks on their home for the past several months.
Someone, or a group of people, have picked Glen and Loretta Waldref’s home to use as target practice, pelting it with rocks sporadically throughout the past several months.
“We were working out in the shop, I guess it was September, and someone was throwing rocks on my tin roof,” said Glen, recalling when the incidents began. “That went on for a couple of months - not every night, just off and on - and I guess eventually they decided that wasn’t enough, so they started throwing big rocks - at the house. They started doing it every night, for about three weeks.”
Police were called, at which point the vandalism stopped for a while, but as soon as the police presence was no longer there, the vandals returned.
The Waldrefs have lived in Cumberland for 35 years, with no known enemies.
“I have no idea why anyone would want to do this to us,” said Glen. “I’m at a complete loss as to why this is happening.”
Windows of the house have been shattered, and it’s to the point now where Glen has begun installing Lexan coverings in front of his windows.
“To do all the windows will cost me $2,400 and that doesn’t include replacing the broken windows - that’s just the Lexan.”
The results have taken their toll, not only on the Waldrefs’ pocketbook, but their well-being as well.
The Waldrefs have health issues to deal with, without the added stress of fear. Glen, who is 75 years old, has Parkinson’s disease, and Loretta, 67, has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The one thing Glen is certain of, is that the attacks are not random.
“It’s a targeted thing - no other houses are being hit,” he said. “It’s my house only. My daughter came back from Ontario to look after my wife for awhile, and in the three weeks she was here, she had her tires punctured nine times.”
Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP, at 250-338-1321.To remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca. When reporting through Crime Stoppers, you never have to identify yourself or testify in court, and you could receive a cash reward for your information.
While the mystery of who is responsible remains unsolved, many residents of Cumberland, and surrounding communities, are coming to the aid of the couple.
Musician Brodie Dawson, and local community activist Susan McVittie are organizing the Let the Light Shine In Fundraiser, June 1 at the Cumberland Hotel.
The event will have an ever-growing list of top-notch Comox Valley musicians, and will feature a silent auction, a 50/50 draw and other fundraising activities.
Dawson, who is in charge of the the musical lineup, said she first met the couple through her work at a local doctor’s office.
“It’s unreal - I don’t why anyone would want to do this, but these kids, whoever is doing it, it just has to stop,” she said. “So we have decided to do something. I’ve got a great list of musicians already signed up.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Some of the acts already committed to perform include PK Tessmann, Chris Andres, Daniel Martin and The Goatboys, Adam Norman, Brodie &Luke Blu Guthrie, Easy Street, Rod Macrae, Jim Chisholm, Sweet Sante Fe, and Kevin Mitchell.
McVittie is taking care of the fundraising portion.
Admission to the show is by donation and 100 per cent of all proceeds will go directly to the Waldrefs.
To donate to the Silent Auction - please contact Susan MacVittie at islandsuem@gmail.com or 250-338-4399, or visit the Facebook page at http://bit.ly/2rshGpZ
There is also Go Fund Me crowdfunding platform set up for the couple. To donate to the cause, go to http://bit.ly/2pMz5NR