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Mundare Communities in Bloom Volunteers Heartbroken
Mundare Communities in Bloom Volunteers Heartbroken
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Volunteer members of the Mundare Communities in Bloom (CIB) Committee are heartbroken following a rash of thefts of flower pots in recent weeks throughout the community.
Mundare CIB Committee Chair Irene Talaga said the thefts began June 26 and continued for a period of 10 days. Pots were stolen in the downtown core, at the west and south entrances, as well as the entrance to the Whitetail Subdivision.
Volunteer Marg Donaldson said she was just driving out of Whitetail Crossing subdivision and noticed flowers had gone missing. On June 30, six pots of flowers that were to be put on the town’s float to go to the Village of Chipman for its Canada Day parade were stolen in front of Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu’s place of business.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said volunteer Charlotte McKellar as a lot of time and hard work has been put into beautification efforts and that it will be expensive to replace all 21 pots that were stolen. “We had accomplished so much.”
McKellar, along with other members expressed their bewilderment, frustration and anger. Of course, they keep wondering, “Why would anyone do such a thing?” That question remains unanswered, but they are hoping someone may have heard or seen something and provide information to Vegreville RCMP who are investigating the string of thefts.
The members, 13 in total take a lot of pride in the work they do to keep their town looking beautiful. “It really is a labour of love,” said Talaga. Members put their heart and soul into what they are doing. She pointed out that it’s not just CIB members who are affected by this, but other community members, who assist during the annual planting bee or donate baking for the CIB yearly fundraiser during the Christmas Extravaganza. That is their only source of revenue, and that it will cost significantly more to replace the pots, especially the self-watering pots, that cost around $300 each to purchase initially. With inflation, Talaga said it cost a lot more to replace those pots. The financial loss has been estimated to be around $4,200.
CIB members are hoping the article will raise more awareness in the community and for residents to keep their eyes and ears open if they see or hear any suspicious activity. They pointed out that the person or persons responsible may try to resell the flower pots on Facebook Marketplace and to watch out for potential posts.
