Greater Victorians are showing their appreciation for Saanich and Victoria police officers injured in a shootout at a Saanich bank last week by donating almost $208,000 to a growing online fundraising campaign.
By late Thursday morning, about 1,200 people had donated to the fund, set up by the Saanich Police Association and the Victoria City Police Union, with many sending heartfelt wishes to the officers and their families.
The original goal was $100,000.
Six Greater Victoria emergency response team members were injured in the June 28 bank robbery on Shelbourne Street. Three are still being cared for in hospital, including one in the intensive care unit. Two officers in hospital are with Saanich and one is with the Victoria Police Department.
Many of the donations were accompanied by messages.
One person wrote: “Heroes. All of them. Every day. Putting their life on the line. Thank you — all law enforcement officers — for your service. You are appreciated.”
Hundreds of cards and emails have been sent to local police departments in the wake of the late-morning robbery that ended in an exchange of gunfire at the Bank of Montreal branch. The two suspects were shot and killed, but none of the 20 bank staff and customers inside were hurt.
Videos of the scene show police officers running toward the bank as gunshots ring out.
The danger faced by those officers was top of mind for Victoria businessman Gerald Hartwig, who donated $10,000 to the online fundraising campaign.
“I really feel for the families,” said Hartwig, whose daughter is a police officer.
“I can relate to any any one of the police officers’ families. It could be our family.
“They got up in the morning to have a regular day at work and now their life has changed drastically. Not only the life of the officers, but the life of their families, their friends.”
He urges others to donate, saying the amount doesn’t matter. “Politicians take note — people care about our police.”
The funds are expected to go to the injured officers and their families, paying for everything from accommodation and transportation for families of those in hospital to psychological support and modifications to homes to allow for future transition from hospital.
“Many expenses are expected to arise over the coming months and potentially long-term,” says the fundraising page.
“Our hope is that none of our members need to worry about any financial burden during this time and can focus on healing and being together with their loved ones.”
To donate, go to: gofundme.com/f/saanich-police-and-victoria-police-union-members.
cjwilson@timescolonist.com
>>> To comment on this article, write a letter to the editor: letters@timescolonist.com
