Signs of support targeted by vandals in Barrie
When Nicole Kirker woke up Tuesday morning at her Barrie home, she found her 'Every Child Matters' flag on her lawn cut in half and her 'Hate Has No Home Here' sign in pieces.
"At first, I was angry, but then I got more sad and sad because I'm wondering how is this person feeling to be that full of hate," Kirker says.
Kirker says when she checked her surveillance camera, the video showed someone walking away from the scene holding what appears to be a piece of the sign.
A sign of support, now a target of vandalism.
"I retired from law enforcement in April of this year, and ever since the George Floyd incident, I vowed that I would start to listen, challenge my beliefs and try to be a better ally," Kirker says. "The feelings I felt the day after being vandalized is only a minuscule of what the BIPOC community face each and every day."
Kirker says the flag was only up for one week, which she purchased in recognition of Orange Shirt Day.
"One of the most important things for me is Sept. 30, which is Orange Shirt Day," Kirker says. "I wanted to have (the flag) up for the month of September to engage people in conversation, maybe educate people who don't know that day exists."
Now Kirker says she's concerned that whoever vandalized her property is either going to get hurt or escalate their actions.
Other videos have also surfaced on social media, one showing another sign being stolen from someone's lawn.
"It's unfortunate," says Nikki Glahn, founder of Barrie Families Unite. "Every couple of nights, we hear of one or two here or there in the East end, in particular. There seems to be a problem with it," Glahn adds.
Barrie Families Unite is the organization behind the campaign, 'Hate Has No Home Here,' and says acts of vandalism have increased in the past two weeks.
It was brought to Barrie after the finding of mass graves on the grounds of former residential schools and after a tragedy in June, where four Muslim family members were killed in what police allege was a hate crime.
"It's really about inclusivity and making a stance, and that is really what our not-for-profit agency is about- making sure everyone feels included, and they don't have to live in our community with these types of judgements," Glahn said.
Glahn says she does not believe the signs are being targeted for any particular reason.
"The only thing we can do to combat it is to keep showing up and keep the message out there," Glahn says.
Which is precisely what Kirker is doing. She has already replaced the sign on her front lawn and placed an order for a new flag.
"I think it's important to show whoever this person is that we won't be deterred," Kirker says.
Kirker did report the incident to police, who told CTV News in a statement, "Unnecessary and malicious damage to anyone's property is unacceptable behaviour. If this happens and is reported to police and the perpetrator is identified, they can be charged and held criminally responsible for their actions."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.