GUELPH — When Carly Hunt learned that a 93-year-old veteran lost some cash, identification and medals earned during the Second World War in a break and enter in his home, she felt compelled to help.

So she started a crowdfunding page and has almost $3,000 in donations to pass along.

Hunt works with elderly clients in long-term care and said she's really passionate about her work.

"So when I heard about this, I cried. He must feel so vulnerable and angry. I know money won't replace what he lost, but I hope he will see that people care. I hope it will give him hope instead of resentment," she said.

Const. Mike Gatto of the Guelph Police Service confirmed that Frank Taylor's east-end home was broken into some time Friday morning and a quantity of cash, documents and personal memorabilia, including his war medals, had been taken.

Taylor was too upset to speak to the Mercury, but his good friend Moe Ferris, the former president of Legion Branch 234, called the theft an "affront" — especially so close to Remembrance Day. Ferris said war veterans across the city are up in arms about the shoddy treatment of retired military personnel.

Hunt said she has friends who used crowdfunding to raise funds for their band, so she's opened a page to raise funds for Taylor. And in less than 24 hours, she had already collected close to $3,000.

"One man gave $540; that blew my mind. And just now, while we're talking, someone just gave $250," she said.

Hunt said people are also leaving positive messages so she'll collect those, too, and present them to Taylor when the fundraising is done.

She intends to shut down her page at noon on Thursday.