Helping assault victim

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Donations are being collected through today at Smart Shopper

People are invited to drop off donations at a Penticton store on Tuesday, for the victim of a violent assault.

Leigh Follestad, the owner of Smart Shopper on Main Street, said one of the members of the Penticton Shoplifters and Thieves Exposed! Facebook page, suggested helping Ken Paton and his daughter.

"It's not something we would normally do, but with all the negative stuff out there, it's nice to create something positive," he said.

Paton, 34, was badly beaten and bitten during the attack at his home a few weeks ago. He had just fallen asleep on the couch around 9 p.m., with his two-and-a-half year old daughter sleeping nearby, when he was awakened by someone knocking.

The tall man at the door asked for rolling papers, and then began hitting and kicking him.

Paton sustained bruised ribs, a mild concussion, a bite mark on his right shoulder and bruising in the unprovoked attack.

Follestad said since he started the effort, he has received food, toys and cash donations for Paton.

Paton is also aware of the effort and has offered to give donations above and beyond what he needs to other families.

"He has been very grateful and gracious and willing to pay this forward," said Follestad. 

Smart Shopper is at 232 Main Street in Penticton.