An online fundraiser has been launched for Saanich senior Anne Tolmie whose home was broken into an estimated six times while she was staying in hospital.
Tolmie has been staying in hospital since late February, and first discovered her home was broken into on May 20.
After that, she believes her home was broken into day after day over the course of the week, with each subsequent break-in causing more damage to the home – including the removal copper pipes and plumbing pipes, items being stolen, and priceless heirlooms being moved around, thrown outside, or taken altogether.
Earlier this week, neighbours helped Tolmie clean up her home, but damage to the pipes have made the home unlivable, according to a GoFundMe set up for Tolmie on Thursday.
“Since the news broke a few days ago, an overwhelming amount of people in the community have come forward and asked how they can help Anne. This is how,” reads the GoFundMe.
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A section of Tolmie’s ransacked home is pictured on May 27. (CHEK News)
“Anne has an adamant desire to return home, and she is asking for financial donations that will be put towards buying a safe, clean, and livable trailer for her to move into,” the GoFundMe says.
Earlier this week, neighbours who helped Tolmie clean up and salvage her belongings told CHEK News that she is “witty” and “on the ball,” and that she has “many years left to live, and she wants to come back to her property.”
The 78-year-old also told CHEK News on Monday that she wants to return home.
“We’re going to try and put me in safe, solid accommodation. They wanted to put me in a care home, which is not necessary at this stage, but they felt it was a more acceptable environment for me,” she said.
Donations to the online fundraiser can be made here.
With files from CHEK’s Ethan Morneau
Adam Chan
