The Khyber Centre for the Arts was burglarized early Sunday morning, leaving the arts community shaken and the Halifax Regional Police looking for a suspect.
The Khyber Centre staff say that around 9:00 AM on Sunday morning the Khyber Centre on Halifax’s Hollis St. was broken into, the suspects entering the building after smashing the glass of the centre’s front door. Khyber Centre staff arrived on the scene after being notified by the Halifax Regional Police who have begun an investigation.
The Khyber Centre reached out to the community this afternoon with a statement about the incident via social media:
“Dear cherished Khyber friends and supporters,
The Khyber was broken into and robbed early this morning. Everyone is safe and okay, however, we want to let you know that now is a great time to show some financial support. Any donations would be appreciated and can be made in-person, by cash or cheque, as well as through Canada Helps online. ALSO, the show must go on, come-out to the CRAFT Fair at Khyber, still happening today 2-8PM 💓
XO Khyber”
The incident comes at a particularly challenging time for The Khyber Centre, who were already holding a craft sale and fundraiser today.
“It is a fundraiser for the centre, much needed as we are in the last month of our fiscal year,” says Khyber Centre Artistic Director Hannah Guinan. “Although this occurred this morning, we were resilient, cleaned up and carried through with our CRAFT Fair event.”
The Khyber Centre staff were unable to give out any specific details of burglary due to the ongoing investigation but say that the incident has deeply affected them both financially and emotionally.
Guinan says that the local community have been very supportive following the incident, with many reaching out online and volunteering in person to clean up for today’s event.
The Khyber Centre for the Arts is asking that if people are able to offer support they can donate here. Donations can also be made online via Canada Helps or PayPal, as well as cash or cheque in-person or by mail. Contact info@khyber.ca for inquiry on donations.