A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for two Sylvan Lake Walmart employees who were bear sprayed by a woman attempting to rob the store on Oct. 21 at about 8 p.m.
The suspect was attempting to leave the store with several items in a shopping cart when she was confronted by John, an 81 year-old male greeter, and Barb, a 56 year-old female customer service staff member.
Alberta RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said both victims were treated by EMS and police continue to investigate. The same suspect is also believed to have stolen several items the same night from a nearby Dollarama where she also threatened to use bear spray on employees when confronted.
According to the GoFundMe campaign, the Walmart customer service employee was sprayed first, and when the greeter came to help her, the suspect sprayed him directly in his eyes, burning his corneas, while he was on the ground. Since the attack, he has been struggling with post traumatic stress disorder and healing from his injuries.
Krista Brilz, who organized the online fundraising campaign, said she started the campaign because many people in Sylvan Lake know John who has been very kind to her family and others over the years.
"When I heard the story, my heart broke. I was just devastated for him," Brilz said.
"My son just loves him. He's so excited when we're going to Walmart."
She said John's eyes are healing as best they can, and he suffered a large bruise on his thigh and hip during the attack.
"The woman pushed her cart into him and he fell backwards on his side. The doctors were shocked he did not break his hip."
She said it's not the first time John has gone out of his way to help people while on the job.
"He would put himself in harms way to protect people in our community. Now it's our time to rally for him and really come together," Brilz said.
Funds raised by the GoFundMe campaign Financial Aid for Barb & John will be used to assist the Walmart greeter and his wife, who has cancer, to travel to medical appointments in Calgary, hotel stays for treatment, aids to daily living and bills.
A portion of donations will also go to assist the customer service employee while she is off work.
The goal of the campaign is to raise $15,000.
The suspect is described as a woman with short, black hair, with a medium complexion and tattoos on her neck. She wore a grey and black hoodie, black sweat pants and shoes, pink and black necklaces, and a white toque with a large white pompom. She also had a blue lanyard.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Sylvan Lake RCMP. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
