Cops recover gong stolen from Kitchener hospital's cancer centre
· Toronto Sun
A Kitchener hospital’s ceremonial gong, used by cancer patients to celebrate a milestone in their recovery from the disease, has been recovered by police after it was reported stolen .
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Waterloo Regional Police said Tuesday that the gong was located by officers in the area of Victoria St. N. and Weber St. W., less than two kilometres from the hospital.
The gong was immediately returned to the Waterloo Regional Health Network’s Grand River Cancer Centre.
Police released an image of the returned gong with hospital staff and officers smiling for the camera.
Man faces theft charge
A 44-year-old man, whose identity was not released by police, was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 on Monday. The accused was held for a bail hearing.
Police said a report was filed about the theft on Monday.
Following a quick investigation, police said they were able to determine that, on April 25 at approximately 10:50 p.m., a male suspect allegedly stole the ceremonial gong from the cancer centre.
Initially, police didn’t know the whereabouts of the gong following the suspect’s arrest.
Replacing gong no longer necessary
There were plans to replace the gong, which was donated to the cancer treatment centre.
Desa Hobbs, vice-president of patient care and regional vice-president of Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, said in a statement on Monday that the gong “holds significant meaning for our patients as they mark important milestones in their cancer journey. This gong is more than an object, it represents resilience, hope and the strength of patients along their cancer journeys.”
Ringing a gong is meant to signify the end of treatments for cancer patients.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact police at 519‑570‑9777, extension 6399.