Financial support key to restoration of vandalized tombstones

Community members are rallying to help the Glenwood Cemetery Board face what will could likely be tens of thousands of dollars to repair damage by vandals to about 200 headstones and monuments last week.

“I am horrified by the extent of the destruction,” said Sandra Latchford, Glenwood Cemetery board chair. “It will take thousands of dollars, and several years to repair and restore the monuments.

“On the other hand I am heartened by the positive response of the community. We have received many offers of support and thank everyone for reaching out to us.”

“We can’t thank the community enough for their wonderful support after the terrible destruction that happened at Glenwood Cemetery last week,” said Cemetery manager Helma Oonk.

Oonk notes that while people have offered to help right the fallen headstones, the job must be completed by professionals, for safety reasons and that the process will be lengthy. Financial support is key to assistance.

“As much as the spirit of this is greatly appreciated we cannot let volunteers help with this massive job. There is a team of professionals supervised by one person who we will be retaining that will be working on this over a period of time,” said Oonk. “This will be a long process – partly for the following reasons, we need to have all the damaged headstones recorded and when they are restored, they need to be pinned and reassembled to their base.”

Glenwood expects to post a list of the affected headstones shortly on its website, Facebook page and the Rebuild Glenwood Facebook group.

“What we need more than anything is financial support to help pay for this restoration. A fundraising page has been set up, and there is a benefit concert being organized for July, by Lenni Stewart and Julian Gallo. (see below)

Anyone who has any information related to the vandalism can contact the OPP at 1 888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Donations can be made https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/28844

Donations can also be made by e-transfer to glenwood2018@bell.net

or in a donation jar at Flowers by Marvin, 80 Main St., Picton

Mayor Robert Quaiff has also asked for the community’s support.

“I am stunned by the senseless act of vandalism at Glenwood Cemetery last week. It’s difficult to comprehend why someone would inflict such damage on this beautiful and historic site.

“Glenwood Cemetery stands as an important part of our heritage, a link to the past and some of the early settlers of Prince Edward County. Over the years, many volunteers have given their time and effort to preserve and maintain this wonderful community asset.

“Acts of vandalism are demoralizing to say the least. I am hopeful that as a community we can rally and support the board and volunteers as they repair the damage. I encourage people to provide a donation if they have the desire and financial means to do so.