Who would vandalize and take toys from a place where young people go to learn and grow each day?
That's the question Kahla Murchie, executive director of the Wizard of Oz-themed day care named the Lollipop Guild Learning Centre, was asking herself after learning of the theft and vandalism at the learning centre, located on the corner of Duncan and Crofton streets.
"It's kind of an odd situation, which is why it was so confusing for all of us," said Murchie. "After some investigation, we learned that it happened sometime between four o'clock and seven on Saturday, July 19."
Saturday was a busy day. The Pride parade was happening on Marine Avenue that afternoon, plus Pride in the Park at Willingdon Beach afterward. Murchie said Saturday was also very hot, and not many people were around the day care to witness what happened.
"We had people here during the day, so we knew everything was okay," said Murchie. "Then the church told me that on Sunday morning, when they came in, they had found a bunch of broken bins and toys on the side of the road and the parking lot."
So far, Murchie said the centre is missing: a new bubble machine and bubble solution; sidewalk chalk; a bin with about 50 Hot Wheels cars; a bin of assorted plastic animals; a Tonka truck; kitchen utensils and supplies for outside picnics; and a water table.
"Staff came in on Monday morning and did our typical check of the playground and a walk-through to make sure there's nothing hazardous around," said Murchie. "Typically, in the summer we travel with the kids to the big field to play, so staff didn't notice right away that things were missing from the centre."
That same Monday, Murchie was supposed to be on vacation and was saying a sad farewell to her parents who were visiting, but leaving that day.
"When the next few staff members came in and the kids started playing there were no toys," said Murchie. "They were wondering 'where's all of our stuff?'"
The early childhood educator (ECE) on staff called Murchie right away to ask if she had moved them for some reason.
"She said 'I have some bad news,'" said Murchie. "We're missing quite a lot of things."
Not only were items missing, such as outdoor chairs, things were also visibly vandalized.
"We're still slowly trying to figure out what's missing and what's not," said Murchie. "The toy bin had a lock on it and a lot of the toys that went missing were in here."
She said they don't have cameras outside the day care, but the Powell River City Hall building across the street has a camera facing the day-care centre. Murchie has asked city staff to review footage from Saturday afternoon.
"I have contacted the police and we have new locks everywhere," said Murchie. "I'm getting a new storage bin today."
Murchie said community members have also stepped-up and dropped off supplies for the day care.
Murchie started the learning centre and day care in 2023 after the day care she was working at closed unexpectedly. She searched high and low for a space but everywhere told her no, except when she asked Powell River United Church.
"I always knew what I wanted, but I just didn't think a space would be able to be found here in Powell River," said Murchie. "[Powell River United Church] got back to me right away; they were so nice and said I could have the space."
Murchie built the outside playspace from scratch and put up the fence herself.
"It was a strengthening journey for me; I learned that I was more powerful and stronger than I ever thought," said Murchie.
She said she calls the day care a learning centre, because the focus of the space for children three-years-old to five years of age is to learn.
"Many people don't realize that learning is most appreciated by the children when it's in play," said Murchie. "We make sure all the items that we have, have some kind of learning aspect to them, whether it's growing friendships or social skills, or emotional regulation."
The Wizard of Oz theme comes from her motto for the centre.
“We’re a heart-led learning centre where curiosity is celebrated, kindness is taught and every little learner finds the courage, heart and brains to shine."
Murchie posted a message to the community on the Lollipop Guild Learning Centre’s social media page:
"To our incredible community – words cannot express the gratitude we feel right now. The outpouring of love, support and generosity has left us truly speechless. So many of you have stepped forward already to help our little learners, and it means the world to us.
“Your kindness reminds us why community is everything. Together, we are creating a safe, loving and nurturing space for our kids, and that is priceless. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you."
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