PENTICTON, B.C. - A Penticton woman who was beaten and sexually assaulted over hours in front of her toddler son is very grateful after two weekend events raised about $30,000 for her future.
Brittany Rutherford, who organized one of the events, says community members opened their hearts and pocketbooks on Saturday.
The victim, who was released from hospital late last week, also appeared at a walk organized by a women's group and a later fundraiser put on by a local strip club.
"She showed up for a little bit. She's doing well. She's recovering, so she's very happy. She's very grateful," Rutherford said.
A Facebook page was also gathering donations.
David Wesley Bobbitt was arrested last week and charged with attempted murder. Police have said further charges could be added, such as aggravated sexual assault.
Bobbitt was arrested after he was spotted by an orchardist near Oliver, B.C. According to one witness, it appears Bobbitt was blending in with pickers who pitch their tents on orchard property.
Bobbitt is the owner of a Penticton second-hand store where the woman was found bound and beaten about 12 hours after she disappeared July 30.
The crime sparked outrage in Penticton and police have warned against vigilantism.
But Rutherford said people also appear eager to help.
"We haven't added everything up yet, but we're guessing it's around $30,000 or more."
Bobbitt is facing a psychiatric assessment before his next court appearance at the end of August.
