Community responds after general store near Kamloops hit with costly crime
A familiar and respected community store near Kamloops was broken into and vandalized last month and the community around it is working to help recoup the $20K in theft and damages.
Heffley Creek Store is located right off the Yellowhead Highway at the bottom of Tod Mountain Road in Heffley Creek. It’s a place travellers heading to Sun Peaks Resort, fishing resorts and recreational activities can stop at for food and fuel. It’s also a valuable hub for the local community.
“It’s where the locals gather to visit and catch up on news,” said manager and events coordinator at Heffley Creek Hall, Deb McDougall who has lived in the community since 2014. “People can pin advertisements on a community board. And they have everything you could need there.”
On July 3 around 4:30 a.m. the store was broken into, the door was smashed and thousands of dollars of items were stolen. A man and a woman were seen on video surveillance departing northbound on the highway. No charges have been laid yet.
In just over a month, McDougall along with several other local residents and businesses, have pulled together to organize an event to help raise funds for the community store. It’s a chance to give back.
“I wanted to do something right away to show we appreciate them and we didn’t just forget and move on with our lives,” McDougall said. “The store owners and staff are always very good and friendly and anytime we’ve asked for support like weiners for school and rink events they’ve been quick to help out. They have great hours so I can get things dropped there and pick them up later. It’s just a good little place to be.”
Everyone from near and far are invited to the Heffley Creek Hall this Saturday, Aug. 12 for the Heffley Creek Store Appreciation & Fundraising Event and Silent Auction which includes a locally sourced roast beef supper. While McDougall said summer isn’t the best time to host an event — especially with Ribfest happening in nearby Kamloops on the same weekend —she’s had a lot of interest and support. Local entertainers are scheduled to perform and Heffley Proud logos and store t-shirts will be on sale.
“We’ve got lots of donations from local business, beef donated from a local butcher and Craig’s Bakery is helping out,” she said. “We’ll have a good locally sourced meal and auction off donated items. We have to help keep these little communities going."
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McDougall said there has been continuing financial progress including some large donations that will all go to the store to help them recover. So far about 150 tickets have been sold worth between $10 and $20 dollars each.
The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the hall located at 6995 Old Hwy 5 in Heffley Creek.
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Tickets can be purchased at the door or preordered by sending Deb an email at heffleycreekhallrentals@gmail.com or reaching her through Facebook here. Cash, cheque, e-transfer and debit are all accepted.
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