Amisk and the surrounding community are coming together to assist the owners of the C-Store, a convenience store located in Amisk, after the owners experienced a recent break-in. On May 7, around 2:30 a.m. thieves broke a window and gained entrance to the store, stealing items and ransacking the store in the process.
Not even four years ago, would-be robbers did substantial damage to the building, November 2020, in the range of $20-$30,000, then making off with about $200 worth of goods inside.
Shortly after, a community effort was made to support the owners, Kim and Bill Rock, with an online silent auction planned.
The community movement called the local break-in “devastating, with tens of thousands of dollars of theft and damage.”
It’s also the fourth time the business has been victimized in the past 11 years.
“As a community, it is important to band together and offer moral and financial support to Kim and Bill,” organizers say. “Between the C-Store and Rockpile Plumbing, Bill and Kim support the community in numerous ways. It is time to return the favour.”
The Auction started Tuesday, May 21, and will run until Tuesday, May 28, at 8 p.m. The auction is hosted on Facebook, called “Benefit Auction for the Rock Family.”
So far community donations include everything from home-grown vegetables, home-made quilts, home-baked goods, and even a load of gravel, with donations coming from people both inside and outside the region.
It’s not too late to donate an item for the auction, people wishing to do so can contact Cherise Bartley (780-209-2770) or Danielle Stankievech, (780-806-6774). Cash donations are also being accepted through the Amisk Public Library.
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor