Almost $2,000 donated so far to help families replace damaged memorials at Westbank Cemetery

The City of West Kelowna is still accepting donations to help families cover the costs of memorial replacements after several were stolen and or damaged beyond repair.

So far, the official fund has brought in $1,930, thanks to generous donations from the public, however the cost of fully replacing the memorials is $10,000 according to the City.

On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, bronze markers from 55 memorial plots in the Westbank Cemetery were stolen. On Sept. 23, the police were able to recover the stolen markers with the help of some tips from the public.

Although the markers were found, 20 of them were damaged beyond repair.

People interested in donating can do so in person at City Hall, located at 2760 Cameron Road, with cheques, cash or debit.

Cheques can also be mailed to City of West Kelowna Cemetery Memorial Replacement Fund at 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 2T6.

Donors will be provided a tax donation receipt for donations exceeding $20.

Donors are asked to provide their name, address and a phone number to receive the charitable donation receipt.

Families whose memorials must be replaced can apply to be reimbursed for a portion of their costs, depending on the donations received.
Distribution of the donations will be done after Dec. 6, and after all markers have been replaced.

“The City has sourced reduced price options from suppliers for memorial markers,” the City said. “Families are encouraged to consider memorial options that are not attractive to thieves, like granite, which is also less expensive than bronze. The City will waive its installation fees for impacted families.”

For more information about the fund and how to donate, call the City’s Finance Department at 778-797-2220. For information about memorial options please contact the Cemetery Office at 778-797-8875.