News of the theft of personal items from a Second World War veteran has touched a nerve in Guelph.
Frank Taylor’s story has been shared on social media hundreds of times since it first came to light Sunday.
Last Friday, Taylor’s home was robbed while he was having his weekly coffee at the local Royal Canadian Legion branch.
The burglar or burglars entered his home, broke into his safe and took everything they found inside.
Stolen items included his birth certificate, his mother’s wedding ring and $1,000 in cash – as well as all of his documents from the war.
Among those touched by the story was Jennifer Florence, who saw it on Facebook and quickly decided to bake cupcakes and cookies for the 93-year-old veteran.
“I just thought it would be a nice gesture,” she said.
“I know it won’t bring back his stuff or make much of a difference … but at least it’s a little gesture (to) let him know that people are thinking of him.”
Sian Matwey befriended Taylor last year during a visit to the Legion.
Since then, she has visited him on a regular basis.
She says hearing of the theft angered her to the point where she wasn’t able to sleep Sunday night.
Instead, she went only and shared his story in as many ways as she could think of.
“The fact they watched him leave, and the fact they had the guys to do it in the morning … is just sad,” she said.
“I imagine this person’s bragged about taking this stuff. I just want to smack this guy, whoever he is. I don’t know who (he is), but please, have a heart.”
Matwey said she plans to take her computer to Taylor to show him the messages of support he’s been consistently receiving.
For his part, Taylor spent Monday at a Guelph high school, attending an event honouring retired general Romeo Dallaire.
