Image: Tydel Foods / Broken glass is shown outside an entrance to Tydel Foods after the community-minded retail meat shop suffered an overnight break and enter.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack retailer broken into

Chilliwack meat store known for good deeds, acts of kindness suffers overnight break and enter

Dec 16, 2024 | 10:38 AM

CHILLIWACK — A community-minded retailer that offers free food for vulnerable Chilliwack residents and discounts its products for local seniors has been the victim of an overnight break and enter.

Brigida Crosbie of Tydel Foods, with locations on Spadina Avenue and in District 1881, says her store at 45766 Spadina Avenue in downtown Chilliwack was broken into early Monday morning, December 16.

It exacerbated an already exhausting day for Crosbie, who spent nine hours cooking turkeys and another three hours preparing food for storage. Nevertheless, Crosbie struck a chord of gratitude for someone who boarded up the store after the break-in.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Kris Armstrong for coming out last night to help us at Tydel Foods,” Crosbie said. “After the break-in, Kris put up the wood over the broken window and stayed to assist Tony in securing the shop. Your kindness and dedication mean so much during a difficult and exhausting moment. Thank you also to Naomi, her husband, and their beautiful daughters for staying with me. Naomi, your presence and support helped keep me calm, even as I sat there unsure if I was shaking from the cold or the disappointment. Your compassion truly made a difference.”

Crosbie says she’s disappointed but won’t be shaken by the incident.

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Image: Tydel Foods / The suspects in the Tydel break and enter.

“I am not angry about what happened, I am deeply disappointed but I have to ask myself – What would Jesus do? And I already know my answer,” she wrote online. “Moments of betrayal, harm, or disappointment must be met with a spirit of love, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to Faith. It is better to responded with grace, compassion, and a determination to continue serving our community and all those in it. I have to keep going, not out of exhaustion or obligation, but because love is the only thing that has the power to heal brokenness, even when it feels overwhelming.”

Crosbie says she’s aware of the identity of the suspect(s) behind the brazen act of vandalism.

“Within the hour, thanks to two incredible customers, we knew who was responsible,” she said. “Now, the challenge lies in finding someone who won’t overcharge us to repair the damage—especially at a time when we’ve already invested so much to ensure that everyone in need in our community can enjoy a Christmas dinner.”

In the meantime, Crosbie and her husband Tony Pitzoff, remain unwavering in their commitment to providing free meals to Chilliwack families and individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, and delivering those meals.

The Chilliwack RCMP file number for this break and enter is 24-54287.