By Dominic Abassi

‘Cried tears of joy:’ Nanaimo man overwhelmed by outpouring of support after scooter theft

Jan 11, 2019 | 4:34 PM

NANAIMO — While many people pointed to the cold blooded theft of a mobility scooter as a sign humanity was lost, the Nanaimo man already riding his replacement wheels is proof of the opposite.

Patrick Aleck was left shocked and saddened when his mobility scooter, something he relies upon due to his cerebral palsy, was stolen earlier this week from outside his Bowen Rd. home.

But by Friday afternoon, the mile-wide smile Aleck is known for throughout the community was on full display as he showed off the new scooter which was donated.

“Feels unreal and amazing,” Aleck told NanaimoNewsNOW during a Facebook conversation Friday afternoon.

Jason Elias, Aleck’s brother-in-law, said his wife cried tears of joy over the outpouring of support.

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“I woke up filled with happiness knowing the community is so ready to help. Thank you all so much. It restores my faith in humanity. With what brought this to come about, the results outshine it all. You all are amazing,” Elias said in a Facebook post.

Barely hours after a story about the theft was posted, a GoFundMe page setup to get Aleck a new scooter surpassed its goal. As of late Friday afternoon, more than $3,100 was raised.

NanaimoNewsNOW also received no less than five direct messages from people as far away as Port Alberni offering to donate used scooters or outright buy a brand new one.

“We are all overwhelmed, that’s for sure. We didn’t expect that at all,” Elias said.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi