B次元官网网址

Skip to content

Theft of cherished kayak led to several acts of giving, says Abbotsford mother

Woman sponsoring birthday party for a child in Nunavut after overwhelming community support
26076965_web1_210805-ABB-StolenKayakTurnsIntoBirthdayParty-kayak_1
A beautiful new kayak was given to Abbotsford mom Nikki Jensen after hers was stolen from her. She was also given cash to replace it, so sheB次元官网网址檚 sending birthday supplies to a child in Nunavut. (Nikki Jensen photo/ Facebook)

For the last year and a half, Nikki Jensen and her young son have been enjoying spending time on the water together.

The mom saved for a long time to be able to purchase a kayak for their free time. TheyB次元官网网址檝e been using it regularly, and itB次元官网网址檚 been an improvement in their lives.

And then, it was gone.

Someone broke into her secure parkade, cut the straps it was tied on with and took off with it. They even stole the pool noodles sheB次元官网网址檇 been using as a roof rack.

She was heartbroken. Gutted. She put out an appeal to the public via social media for others to keep an eye out for it. She wondered if sheB次元官网网址檇 ever be able to buy one again.

Turns out, she didnB次元官网网址檛 have to. When word got out that she was hit by a thief, a community member knew he could help. While he doesnB次元官网网址檛 want to be identified in the story, Jensen said she was blown away by his offer. He gave her a kayak that had belonged to his late father.

At the same time, money was being raised for her to buy a new one. JensenB次元官网网址檚 story had been shared in a Facebook group for the Four Wheel Drive Association, and a few people each sent her $50 donations to get her back on the water.

She was moved beyond measure.

B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 stop crying,B次元官网网址 she said on Facebook. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e never owned a boat this beautiful in my life.B次元官网网址

She decided she had to do something to thank them all, so she rolled her sleeves up and starting making bread. She also starting thinking of what to do with the monetary donations.

A friend suggested something called the Northern Birthday Box Project. They match up donors with kids in CanadaB次元官网网址檚 north. The donors basically sponsor a childB次元官网网址檚 birthday by purchasing everything needed for a birthday party here, and boxing it up to be sent up north.

Jensen was matched with a boy in Nunavut who is turning four and loves Spiderman.

B次元官网网址淭hey donB次元官网网址檛 have access to things like party supplies, cake mixes, icing sugar, etc.,B次元官网网址 she says. So now heB次元官网网址檚 gonna get the Spiderman birthday of his dreams! They say it takes a village, but sometimes it takes a country. The money donated to me came from several different provinces, and now itB次元官网网址檚 going to another one.B次元官网网址

She will be sending everything from cake mix to goodie bags to birthday streamers.

B次元官网网址淭his whole thing legit brought me so much happiness and faith back in humanity,B次元官网网址 Jensen said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a literal life changer for me perspective wise.B次元官网网址

She is hoping that by sharing her story more people will look into the Northern Birthday Box Project, something she wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have known about if it werenB次元官网网址檛 for the theft that kicked of the series of good events.

B次元官网网址淚t was a blessing in disguise,B次元官网网址 she said.

READ MORE:



jessica.peters@abbynews.com

Like us on and follow us on .

Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation



Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
Read more



(or

B次元官网网址

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }