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Help sought to replace emergency items taken from Port Coquitlam school

Irvine elementary parents reach out to the community though crowd-sourcing
Irvine emergency
Irvine elementary has been rated a high risk for structural failure in an earthquake and had a container full of emergency supplies and equipment on the school grounds. But one night, the locks were cut and the food, shelter, first aid kits and other equipment were stolen.

A Port Coquitlam school with a high seismic risk rating is pleading with the public for funds to replace emergency supplies that were stolen in September.

Irvine elementary has been rated a high risk for structural failure in an earthquake and had a container full of emergency supplies and equipment on the school grounds. But one night, the locks were cut and the food, shelter, first aid kits and other equipment were stolen.

"Somebody just loaded up their truck," speculated Geneve McNally, whose husband set up a Go Fund Me page for the school.

McNally said parents have already reached into their pockets to replace some of the stolen goods, raising $1,710, but another $800 is needed to replace all that was lost.

"So many parents have said they thought this is something the school is responsible for. They thought it's up to the government and school board to make sure the bin is full in case of emergency and the answer to that is 'No,'" McNally said.

The parents are also looking to see if the school's insurance can cover the some of the loss and have put an extra strong lock on the container to prevent future break ins. The school is also waiting for the province to fund a seismic replacement for the school.

• To contribute to Irvine elementary school emergency supplies, visit gofundme.com/irvineemergency