The Burnaby Gogos are out about $900 after a theft on the weekend.
Gail Roberts, a member of the local group, which raises money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, was a vendor at Saturday’s farmers’ market at Burnaby city hall.
Roberts was selling the Gogos’ safari denim children’s wear – second-hand jean dresses, jeans and jackets that are embellished with African print fabric. The 40 or so items, priced between $20 and $25 each, were packed up at the end of the day and put in Roberts’ car.
Later that evening, Roberts and her partner went to Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre to see a ballet. When the show finished and they got to their car, parked on Hamilton Street, both windows had been “smashed in” and the merchandise was gone.
“It was really upsetting,” Roberts told the NOW.
She added the couple reported the incident to police, but the officers aren’t very hopeful the items will be returned.
“Please return the garments,” Roberts pleaded with the thieves. “The proceeds go to a very important cause, one that’s very close to our hearts.”
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign has raised more than $24 million for African grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS since it launched nationwide in 2006. The money goes towards food, educational supplies, uniforms, school fees, medical care, HIV counselling and testing, housing and more.
Roberts is hoping someone will find the items. They are tagged with the Burnaby Gogos contact information.
“They were in two big blue bags, one Lee Valley bag on a rolling frame and a darker Heys suitcase,” she said.
Anyone who wants to donate to the Gogos can contact Roberts at 604-430-3444 or 604-999-2037.
