She's known as Kiki the Eco Elf and she is a beloved family entertainer in Vernon, so when someone stole her tip jar, an outpouring of community support swelled like a tidal wave.
Kiki, a.k.a. Tanya Lipscomb, spent several hours at the Vernon Winter Carnival Family Day at Polson Park Monday doing face painting and brightening the day of everyone she met.
She even stayed an hour later than she had planned just to make sure everyone in line got their faces painted.
However, the day ended in heartbreak when someone stole her tip jar.
“PLEASE whoever took it, give it back! I have taken a bunch of time off to heal, and that was my family's GROCERY MONEY!!!!,” posted Lipscomb. “I won't judge. I just really need it back!”
As word of the theft spread on social media, an outpouring of support began to grow.
Some people started offering donations to make up for the stolen tips. And others followed.
Celia Auclair posted, “I will make a donation too. Please if a few more people are willing to make a donation, together we can turn a sad/distressing act into a positive community random act of kindness."
Jaye Coward told Lipscomb to “come to the Farm Bound extras sale this Wednesday...I'll get you and your family some free organic fruit and veg.”
Sharmay Taylor posted, “So sad that this happened, but find it truly amazing that the community offers to help those in need over and over again. Obviously the person who took the money really needed it. I hope they make good use of it. Sounds like Tanya will get her $ back from this wonderful group.”
The posts offering support, sympathies and donations were in the dozens.
Carol Nelson Von Holst summed up the feeling of the community in her post, “Kiki you are a beautiful person inside and out. We met at the yacht club one evening and you left an impression by your beautiful voice and spirit. Hope your heart is full knowing so many people in our amazing community care. I know my heart is.