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Maples Discovery co-operative robbed of garden shed, tools

Envision financial has donated funds to replace shed, but donation of tools would be greatly appreciated, says garden manager
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Amanda Smith hand feeds a chicken at Maples Discovery Garden. She travels to the gardens twice a day to look after eight hens and one rooster. Recently, the community garden was the victim of theft when its tool shed and more than half its tools were stolen.

Maples Living Discover Gardens Co-op manager Amanda Smith arrived Dec. 17 to feed the chickens when she noticed the entire tool shed was gone.

“It was a bit of a shocker and frustrating,” said Smith.

Thieves obviously had some sort of truck and took the whole tool shed with about 60 per cent of the not-for-profit’s tools.

Smith said they took staplers, staples, small hand rakes, trowels, pruners, hand snips, two post pounders, and an expensive Stanley tool box.

“Beyond being a community garden, this garden works with schools in the area, such as Langley Meadows, to promote community and environmental sustainability in Langley,” said Andrea Stevenson, a supporter of the gardens.

But just as quickly as the shed was stolen, Envision Financial donated $450 towards a brand new tool shed, said Smith.

“Now, (we’re) just onto replacing the missing tools at this point. And a lock to purchase for our front gate,” said Smith.

Smith said she will be tending to the gardens and the chickens from Monday to Wednesday if anyone wants to drop by to donate tools.

“We are not fussy, our gardeners, volunteers, and school children just need items to take care of our space, and grow food for the community,” Smith said.

To contact Maples Discovery Gardens, call 604-773-7660.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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