An 80-year-old Rotorua woman is still in shock after the theft of money and raffle tickets she was selling for the Cancer Society.
Vera Stewart had set up a stall at the Soundshell Markets where she and her son were fundraising for the society just over a week ago. She said they were raffling four hampers and were selling tickets at $2 each.
"I think we just dropped our guard for a few brief minutes. We had a bucket with the raffle book and money inside and were busy packing things up. It wasn't until when we went to set up again last Sunday that I realised it had been taken."
Mrs Stewart said about $60 in cash was stolen along with the ticket book.
"I was absolutely shattered, I burst into tears, it's not a nice feeling. My legs are still shaking from it," she said.
"I replaced it with my own money myself as I felt so bad about it. Some of the market stall holders also gave donations."
Apart from the Cancer Society, Mrs Stewart also volunteered at the local Heart Foundation, Arthritis Society and the New Zealand Red Cross.
She said the theft had not put her off giving her time to worthy causes.
"I don't think so, I think it's made me more vigilant. The Cancer Society and the police said it's not my fault."
Office administrator Tracey Crompton said money raised in Rotorua went back into the community for support services for clients and funding for nurses to visit homes.
"It is a shame it's happened but we've tried reassuring Vera that it isn't her fault and this could have happened to anyone."
Anyone who may have bought raffle tickets for the hampers are asked to swap them for tickets from a new book at the Cancer Society office at 1235 Ranolf St.
The ticket stub as proof of purchase will be needed.