Vancouver police are calling it a despicable crime against a local charity. Thousands of dollars of copper wire has been stolen from the Bright Nights display at Stanley Park.

The event is a volunteer run effort that raises money for people in burn units at hospitals across the city. The theft has left organizers shaking their heads.

"It was unbelievable to start with, but it was kind of a kick in the head," said Ray Boucher with the BC Professional Firefighters Association's Burn Fund. "Firefighters from all over B.C. come here and donate their time to raise funds for the burn fund."

Our members are spending the day in Stanley Park. To help set up the lights for Bright Nights. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/burnfund?src=hash">#burnfund</a> <a href="https://t.co/eyAdUTqV2Z">pic.twitter.com/eyAdUTqV2Z</a> —@iaff2399

Volunteers were working on setting up the display this week.

But on Remembrance Day police say thieves made off with more than 120 metres of copper wire.

More than a dozen extension cords were also reported stolen. Firefighters say those are worth $135 each, and they estimate up to $7000 worth of material was taken in total.

Low and despicable

"Here we have another example of a theft that directly involves a charitable organization," said Const. Brian Montague with the Vancouver Police. "People trying to raise money for kids in the burn fund. It brings a whole new meaning to the word low and despicable."

As police investigate, volunteers have stepped up to make sure the park has 24-hour security.

Meanwhile a sponsor has agreed to donate some more copper wire to Bright Nights.

Despite the set back, Boucher and other volunteers say all the lights needed for the event will be up and ready for opening day on November 26.