Time runs short for Denmark senior

Family makes last-ditch appeal; stolen vehicle still in Alberta, slated for auction

With only two weeks left before his mother is slated to lose her car, Dennis Dunphy is issuing a last-ditch appeal in a crowdfunding attempt to have the stolen vehicle returned from Calgary.

“Kind of disheartened, but I hope we can still get some help,” he said Monday.

Vivian Dunphy, a widowed senior citizen from Denmark, had her car stolen in December from Hilden. The car was recovered in Calgary and is currently under impound by the city, which has served notice that it will be auctioned off if it is not claimed by April 17.

After hearing of the woman’s plight, the city agreed to waive the impound and towing fees, which are nearing $2,000. But Dunphy said his mother is still looking at between $2,000 and $2,500 to have the 2011 Kia Rio shipped home.

Unable to come up with the cash on their own, the family recently began a crowdfunding effort to raise the money.

At the moment, the car is slated to be auctioned off on April 18.

“I couldn’t wait until the 17th,” he said, because of the time it will require to make shipping arrangements. “I’d have to know this week almost.”

Dunphy said he has received offers to have the vehicle driven home from Calgary in exchange for the travel expenses but that is not an option they are willing to leave in the hands of strangers.

Vivian Dunphy still owes approximately $6,000 on the purchase loan for the car, which she will still be responsible for, even if the car is sold at auction.

“My mother could use the help of our compassionate community during this stressful and uncertain time,” Dennis Dunphy says, on the gofundme page. “I feel it is unfair that my mother is being penalized for a crime committed against her and I am hoping that empathetic members of the community will help in any way they can. I would greatly appreciate anyone willing to help with the cost of bringing my mother’s car home.”

Anyone wanting to assist can do so by logging on to gofundme. com and search “Help bring mom’s stolen car home,” or email Dunphy at fitnesspro22forever@gmail.com.