Pat Wand began collecting bottles in the Penticton IGA parking lot nine years ago and she has been there every Saturday since.
In that time, through her weekly bottle drive, Wand has been able to raise over $150,000 for various local charities.
Recently, she says the shipping container she uses to collect the bottles has twice been broken into.
According to Wand, thieves have cut the lock to her shipping container in an apparent effort to steal its contents. Thankfully the container was empty at the time of the break-ins, but she is nervous it will happen again.
Wand says she has not gone to the police because she, “doesn’t want to waste their time.” However she is asking that the public be on watch of the shipping container that is permanently located in the IGA parking lot.
She believes whoever broke into the shipping container knew that it was used for the bottle drive.
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Despite this, Wand is determined to continue donating thousands to local organizations such as the Penticton Regional Hospital, the Penticton Food Bank, SPCA, Red Cross, Critter-Aid and many more.
“I couldn’t do it without the people of Penticton,” she said.
To donate to the bottle drive, visit the Penticton or Summerland IGA parking lots between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Saturday, or call Wand at 250-493-6205 to arrange a pickup. All donations are anonymous.
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