Community
Should the city allow 8 foot fences?
Do we have to build 8 foot fences around our homes? Do our children need to lock up their toys and bicycles in our backyards when they need to use the bathroom?
Recently, it was 7 a.m. in a quiet suburban neighbourhood, and a man on a bicycle slowly pedals down the street, stops at a house 3 doors down, goes in the backyard, looks in the mailbox then leaves. I mentioned this to my neighbours and I hear about the accumulated losses from thefts. Bicycles, gas cans, weed whacker, lawn furniture cushions, pop cans etc.
Why would a supposed homeless person steal a weed whacker? To raise money for drugs was suggested.
I talked to a homeless person and he told me that was probably true, and he added it was our fault because it takes months to get into rehab. Jail just means warmth, 3 meals and a bed, but it does nothing to help the drug problem.
The homeless person, also suggested that if a homeless man wants your lawnmower, you might as well give it to him. If you tried to stop him he would say you assaulted him. He would get free legal aid, and it would cost us dearly. He said that insurance would just buy us a new one. I guess he never heard of deductibles and increasing premiums. The suggestion arose that the only thing law abiding home owners can do is barricade our homes. Wow!
One neighbour had their child’s bicycle stolen from their backyard, and the new replacement bicycle was stolen out of their backyard and he has 6 foot fencing. So should the city change the rules and allow 8 foot fencing around our homes? Do children need to lock up everything in their backyard before going in the house to use the bathroom or get a drink? Or should children be kept inside?
It is not only the homeless that is prowling the neighbour hood looking for easy pickings, due to the economy, and I was told it will only get worse. What are we to do?
Several neighbours including myself have invested in security measures, one neighbour got a German Shepherd dog, another neighbour invested in more secure storage, and other options explored. All these at cost to the law abiding home owners.
I got the impression by this homeless person is that home owners who leave items out are fools and just asking for their things to get stolen.
We spend a hundred dollars on a bicycle or a weed whacker, deal with upset family, feel violated and what does the theif get at a pawn shop $20.
Which begs the question. Wouldn’t the pawn shop be suspicious if a possible homeless person pawns a weed whacker or children’s bicycles? Should there be more checks and balances there?
How the underbelly of society operates is out of my comfort zone. I have given blankets and coffee to homeless people and I think that it is appreciated by some but I wonder if we are sometimes being taken for fools.
There is a sense of helplessness, and there is the usual comments about how the police cannot do anything. Anger shows it’s ugly head immediately after a theft. Emotions are high especially involving children’s things. The burden lies heavy on law abiding citizens and children.
The latest poll shows that 50% of people currently live paycheque to paycheque, so the costs of thefts can go well beyond the cost of the item. Cutting back on life’s expenses can be truly hard on people and children, to compensate for the loss of a few items.
The homeless person, reiterated that the system was designed to protect the criminal and not the victims, and the criminals know it.
The children cannot seem to hold it, long enough to lock up all their things before high tailing it to the bathroom, so should I talk to the city about an 8 foot fence? Perhaps get one of those photo radar trucks to multi task and do neighbourhood watch while ticketing speeders.
Looking for suggestions.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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