Edmonton 2SLGTBQ+ non-profit victim of break-in, $30,000 worth electronics, clothing, copper pipes lost

An Edmonton non-profit that helps refugees from the 2SLGTBQ+ community says they were victims of a break-in earlier this month.

They told CityNews it’s been another hurdle to overcome in supporting the province’s transgender community.

“Laptops were taken, I had cameras in my office, those were taken. My office has been discarded. According to the landlord, they also took some pipes,” said Adebayo Katiiti, the founder of RaricaNow.

RaricaNow is an Edmonton non-profit that provides assistance to refugees in the 2SLGTBQ+ community living in the city, but says on January 3rd thieves broke in and stole what Katiiti estimates is nearly $30,000 electronics, clothing, and copper pipes. The house that serves as an office and living space for those being helped was empty at the time, but was left trashed.

Katiiti adding it’s been a tough year for the non-profit as they advocate against provincial legislation impacting transgender youth in Alberta, saying the break-in is another issue to overcome, feeling the home was targeted.

“The past year, trying to be positive, trying to move in the right direction, and then this happens, you know. It’s heartbreaking, and there’s no words for the emotions that we’re feeling. The community is scared, it’s hard,” said Katiiti.

For now, Katiiti is turning to the community for support.

“People have responded, it means so much, you know. It shows how the community responds, and we’re positive, we hope that they’ll continue,” said Katiiti.

Edmonton police told CityNews through an email that they got the call around 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, saying property and copper pipe throughout the home was taken.

Investigators added that at this time, they don’t believe the break-in was targeted.