When eight-year-old Blake Hesla saw the front page of the Penticton Western newspaper about Ogo’s Ice Cream being broken into and owner Sharon Brown being hit with a hammer, he wanted to do something to make her feel better.
“He was so upset to read this article, he wanted to write her a get well letter to send his love and well wishes,” said his mom Amy Hesla.
So Blake wrote her a get well letter, colouring a picture and writing well wishes to Brown.
“Dear Sharon, I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you. You didn’t deserve that,” Blake’s letter reads. “I love coming to your store for ice cream. You make the best ice cream cakes. Hope you are feeling better.”
But the Columbia Elementary School student also wanted to show his support for her business by meeting Sharon in person to deliver his letter and by buying an ice cream cone.
“Tonight we surprised Sharon and she was touched to tears by his loving heart,” said Blake’s mom.
“She offered him a free ice cream cone but he insisted he wanted to support her and pay. Blake has a thoughtful, empathetic and caring heart and he is hoping he can inspire others to do the same.”
Blake and Sharon met on Wednesday night where he gave her the card he made and bought a birthday cake flavoured ice cream.
“Although the ice cream was a bonus, he really was motivated to try and make Sharon feel better and make sure she was safe.”
The community has been in shock at the violence acted out on Brown, who is 70 years old.
Brown was prepping the store at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 3 when two men wearing masks and gloves entered the store. Both men approached the victim, demanding she open the cash register. In the process of the robbery, one of the men assaulted her with a hammer.
Several local companies leapt into action to make sure Brown’s downtown business is as secure as possible, adding a metal door and security cameras.
Penticton RCMP say they have made good progress on this high priority crime but no arrests have been made yet.
If you witnessed this incident, or have any other information, you’re asked to call the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
READ MORE: Back at work one day after being attacked at her ice cream shop
READ MORE: Ice cream shops come together to support one of their own
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