Veterans are outraged after thieves stole poppy collection boxes from several Edmonton businesses, taking money away from Canadians who risked their lives for their country.
"It's just about the lowest of the low," said 93-year-old Frances Sutherland, who served as a nurse overseas during the Second World War.
The Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy Campaign raises money for veterans to help fund their medical costs, care facilities and those in financial need.
The charity also helps pay for everyday activities for Sutherland at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans, including her physiotherapy.
"They do a lot of things around here, with the tea and the entertaining," she told CTV Edmonton.
In the most recent theft, money was taken from a Tim Hortons in the south end of Edmonton.
Police are uncertain exactly how much money has been stolen, or even if the incidents are related.
"Right now there's nothing to indicate a connection between them, but of course they could be related," said Edmonton police spokesperson Jeff Wuite. "They are all, of course, under investigation."
Stolen poppy collections are an annual problem in Edmonton. Last year, thieves made away with about 25 boxes.
Legion member Greg Laskey said that despite the thefts, there are no plans to make the boxes harder to steal.
"It would be financially onerous to make them all metal boxes or locked boxes," said Laskey.
Meanwhile, customers at the Tim Hortons where the latest theft took place said they hoped those responsible were caught.
"It's quite pathetic, to be honest with you," said Carlos DeCarvalho. "Some people don't have the common courtesy to think about what Remembrance Day means and what these soldiers did for our country."
Another customer, Martin Naundorf, said the thieves are "guys that need a good, swift kick in the you-know-where."
Last year, the Edmonton-area poppy drive raised $300,000 for the Legion. This year, organizers hope to collect $500,000.
With a report by CTV Edmonton's Carla Shynkaruk
