'Angel comes to rescue'

Photo: RCMP

File photo of Pauline Vankoll handing over food hamper to RCMP.

UPDATE: 4:10 p.m.

There was some good news for an Okanagan woman Monday when a stranger stepped in and paid her electricity bill.  

Pauline Vankoll's power was about to be shut off.

"An angel stepped in," said Vankoll, clearly relieved by the help she received after people read about her plight on Castanet. "You wouldn't believe the stress I've been going through."

Vankoll said she had asked for but failed to get social assistance to cover the bill as both she and her husband are out of work and suffering from illness.

Vankoll said it felt just as nice to be helped as to help out. Last year, she donated a large hamper of food to a person who had admitted taking her handbag because they were desperate.

Vankoll thanked the good samaritan who paid the bill and others who called and emailed her.

ORIGINAL STORY: 9:40 a.m.

A Vernon woman who forgave the person who stole her handbag last year is now looking to the government for some help herself.

Pauline Vankoll made headlines last year when she gave the RCMP a hamper of food just days before Christmas and asked officers to deliver it to the desperate thief.

Since then, Vankoll and her husband have fallen on hard times, and recently applied for social assistance to help pay their electricity bill but were denied, she said.

Today, if they don't find the cash to pay their bill, BC Hydro has told them their power will be cut off.

“For 51 years, my husband worked hard,” Vankoll said. “However, after being a productive member of society, when we need help the government won't assist us.”

Vankoll said her 67-year-old spouse, an electrician, has looked for work but is either over qualified or too old.

She said he suffers from the aches and pains of years of outside physical labour while she suffers from arthritis and other illnesses.

But Vankoll is also looking for work as a certified dog trainer and can be found online for those who are looking for one.

When asked what she plans to do if her electricity is cut off Monday, Vankoll replied, “I don't know.”

She has sought help from a local church and has plans to call Liberal MLA Eric Foster.

There are also children in the home.

Vankoll's son is staying with her, as are his children, aged two and eight.

“There's no way I'll be able to cook for them and there will be no heat.”