The organizers of a 2021 fundraising event have been charged after they allegedly failed to turn over funds to the charity they were fundraising for.
Police began an investigation in December 2021 after the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM) brought their concerns of missing funds.
In January 2021 the charity was contacted about a proposed idea for a virtual fishing tournament fundraiser called the Full Tilt Winter Walleye Tournament.
CHUM allowed the organizers to use their logo for advertising as they were under the belief that the net proceeds would be donated to the foundation.
492 people registered for the event with $22,147 in entrance fees collected. A number of corporate sponsors donated prizes to the event as they believed it was for a charitable cause.
The event dispersed $9,118.00 to event participants as prize money. $13,039.00 in net proceeds was never forwarded to the foundation.
During the investigation, officers determined that the organizer and a co-accused retained the funds for personal use.
Heather NEUERT, a 39-year-old female and Christian Thomas Gord LILLYMAN, a 40-year-old male, both of St. Anne have been charged for their alleged involvement with Theft Over $5000.00, Fraud Over $5000, Laundering Proceeds of Crime and Criminal Breach of Trust.
Both accused were released on Undertakings as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada.
