Thanks to the efforts of a local business owner, a Windsor food bank hit by a callous crime is getting back up and running.
The Kids First Food Bank, struck by thieves this past weekend during a break-and-enter, has been the recipient of a magnificent outpouring of support and donations from the community. Adding to it, an anonymous business owner rallied a series of other businesses in Windsor-Essex and they have risen to the challenge.
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That has raised the spirits of everyone involved with the food bank, including Laurie Harrison, who handles housing and administrative support. She told BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that the support has been beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
"When he called to tell us what he did do, I mean, I think my eyes watered, I think I kind of lost my breath there for a moment," said Harrison. "I'm like 'You did what?' What he managed to do for us in such a short period of time is just mindblowing."
According to a release obtained by Blackburn News, the businessman's call for help resulted in about $7,000 in cash being raised, along with a pickup truck loaded with canned goods and non-perishable foods. The release listed 19 businesses that responded to the request for assistance.
Also, Security ONE, a local alarm company, has agreed to donate and install a new security system for the food bank.
As far as the people who committed this break-and-enter, Harrison wanted to make it clear that often, what goes around comes around.
"They got in here, and we weren't able to identify them, but they're going to mess up," said Harrison. "They seem to be continuing down that same path of disrespecting people's businesses and lives, and eventually it's going to catch up with them. They're going to get caught."
Anyone who can identify the people in the photo above, or with any information on this crime, is urged to call Windsor police at (519) 255-6700, or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477).