Teenager sexually assaulted while canvassing for donations

Sexual attack on young fundraiser Vancouver police are investigating a disturbing attack on a young woman who was canvassing for the BC Children’s Hospital.

Police are investigating after a teenager was allegedly pulled into a stranger's home and groped while canvassing for donations in East Vancouver.

The 18-year-old reported that she was fundraising door-to-door near Vanness Avenue and Rupert Street around 8 p.m. Tuesday when she was attacked.

"During her canvass, she was pulled into a residence and groped by an unknown male," the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release. "The woman fled the home and contacted police."

Officers swarmed the neighbourhood but haven't confirmed whether any arrests have been made.

It's also unclear whether the victim was physically injured.

The BC Children's Hospital Foundation issued a statement Wednesday confirming the teenager was a paid canvasser fundraising on its behalf through a third-party agency.

"This was a very disturbing incident and our thoughts are with the victim at this difficult time," the foundation said in an email.

"It is our understanding that the agency has a comprehensive policy and training for canvassers for their personal safety and well-being, in particular that canvassers work only in pairs."

The startling attack left some residents of the normally quiet area on edge. One woman told CTV News she saw a young person canvassing for donations alone the same evening, and that hearing what happened gave her "goosebumps all over."

The VPD's investigation into the attack is ongoing.

With files from CTV Vancouver's Scott Roberts