Canadian Tire had to donate a new Christmas tree to the Santa Claus Fund after its tree on display at the Medicine Hat Lodge was vandalized beyond repair. Police announced Friday they arrested a suspect.--NEWS PHOTO JEREMY APPEL
Medicine Hat News
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the vandalism of four Santa Claus Fund Christmas trees at the Medicine Hat Lodge.
“Thanks to tips received from the community the MHPS was able to locate and charge the male who vandalized the @MHSantaClaus Fund Christmas trees @MedHatLodge,” reads a tweet from the Medicine Hat Police Service.
The MHPS hasn’t released the suspect’s name and the charges he’s facing, nor did they respond to request for comment by press time.
They had released a surveillance image of the suspect Thursday evening, asking the public for assistance in tracking him down.
Deanna Doerksen, executive director of the SCF, says while it’s unfortunate the trees were vandalized, there was a silver lining.
“Yesterday was actually a wonderful experience,” said Doerksen. “It was great to see our community and our corporate leaders come together to ensure that our event is going to go off without a hitch. Everybody stepped up … We had the trees back up in a few short hours.”
Although she’s pleased the alleged vandal was caught, Doerksen said she harbours no ill will toward him.
“We hope that he can find the spirit of giving in his heart going forward,” she said.
The SCF Spirit of Giving Gala occurs Nov. 17 at the Lodge.
Tickets can be purchased for $75 at the Lodge or online at Eventbrite.
