December 22, 2022
In July 2022, Nelson CARES Society became the victim of a cyber-security incident where $596,694 was fraudulently removed from one of the Society’s bank accounts. To date, $211,079 has been recovered, and we are currently working with the Nelson Police Department and the Nelson District Credit Union to have the remaining funds of $ 385,615 returned.
To date, the loss of funds has had minimal impact on our front-line care or any of the programming we deliver due to the use of internal reserve funds. Our server system, client, funder, and donor information are completely protected.
Our first priority is to our community and those we serve. We will continue to provide service excellence in all that we do to ensure the most vulnerable are cared for with the highest standard of care as always. People who are housed in Nelson CARES facilities are not at any risk of losing their housing.
Secondly, Nelson CARES Society staff and those individuals supporting us as volunteers—jobs remain safe. Our ability to move and shift within our budgets allows us to remain focused on keeping and sustaining jobs at all levels.
The Nelson CARES Society Board of Directors and I have been meeting regularly since the incident to bring Nelson CARES Society back to a state of whole. We have the full, unwavering support of our funding partners who are standing with us to provide resources and assistance if, and when needed. We are extremely appreciative of this amazing collegial connection of respect and trust from the community and our partners.
Nelson CARES Society has been a pillar in the West Kootenays for 48 years and has a healthy position within this community. We will all continue to work together and bring this situation to a positive close.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions; executivedirector@nelsoncares.ca
Miigwetch-thank you with respect,
Jac Nobiss
Executive Director
