An outpouring of support from the community has helped one Markham organization raise more than $20,000 in just a few days after a thief stole all the money collected at a weekend fundraiser.
Between $6,000 and $8,000 was stolen on Sunday after the annual Christmas event for the Centre for Dreams, which works with intellectually challenged adults.
The thief smashed the windows of a car and grabbed the money that had been placed in a car in the parking lot moments before.
News of the incident circulated quickly, and the centre received $1,800 in donations by Monday afternoon.
But by Thursday morning, the organization had received more than $20,000 -- about three times the amount it lost at its biggest fundraiser of the year.
"We have been absolutely astounded by all of the support and all of the donations and well wishes that we've received from the community," Michelle Del Carmen, the director at the centre founded by her mother, told CTV News.
Martin and Andrew Lindsay, who put on a large light show in Markham every year, dropped off more than $4,600 they had collected. The brothers set up a donation box every Christmas and give to various charities.
"Helpfully it will help them get back on their feet and kind of forget about what had happened and enjoy the season," Martin said.
"We know by being here and seeing what the charity's about, we know it's going to go to good use."
Some sponsors handed over their donations earlier this year because of the theft, and some residents are still collecting money for the organization, including one woman who said she's asking guests to bring donations instead of food at her Christmas party.
The cause has also been added onto the popular social networking website Facebook.
York region police, meanwhile, are appealing to the public to come forward with any information on the crime. Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the Markham Fairgrounds on Sunday is asked to come forward.
With a report from CTV's Matet Nebres
