B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids

A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

Andrea Blanchard was the treasurer of the South Rutland Elementary Parents Advisory Council (PAC) in Kelowna when she misappropriated the funds, according to a recently published provincial court decision.

"Parent Advisory Councils are an important part of our communities’ educational system," Judge Clarke Burnett, said.

"Through the efforts of the volunteer parents, funds are raised to enhance their children’s education. They often fill gaps that are left when there is inadequate funding from a school board. The funds they raise help support educational programs, purchase school supplies and equipment, and provide hot meals for breakfast and lunch programs."

Blanchard pleaded guilty to one count of theft over $5,000 last year and was sentenced last month.

In her role as treasurer, the court heard, she was responsible for all of the council's finances including collecting and depositing donations, applying for grants, writing cheques and producing reports.

She began stealing in 2016 – several months after her husband lost his job – when her family was in the "unmanageable" position of trying to survive on a single income, according to the decision.