Dear editor,
I was recently involved in an incident at Quality Foods in Comox.
Although I truly believe my action was caused by a medical condition, it in no way negates that I walked out of the store without paying for merchandise. I was shocked and ashamed by my action.
I am fortunate that Quality Foods and their security elected to send me to the Community Justice Centre for the resolution to my actions. I had never heard of the Justice Centre so was not sure what to expect the process would be.
My first appointment was with a gentleman who thoroughly explained how the process works and what would be expected of me. He then arranged a meeting with a three-person panel, an observer and the security officer from Quality Foods. Through this meeting a resolution was agreed upon.
What I am most impressed by is that everyone at the Community Justice Centre is a volunteer who gives of their own time to help resolve issues such as mine. They are most professional and respectful in their approach and actions. I cannot express enough how fortunate we are to have this centre in our community - thank you to all of the Community Justice Centre volunteers.
I am very much aware of the cost to business, community and consumers when theft occurs - everyone pays. Therefore, please accept my apology and I hope that I can give back through volunteering in our community.
Editor’s note: This letter was written anonymously as a condition of a settlement reached with the help of the Comox Valley Community Justice Centre.