Van Theft Sparks Charity Appeal
Staff at Lincolnshire YMCA and the Nomad Trust say they are devastated after a van was stolen following a break-in at the charity’s warehouse on Monks Way in Lincoln.
The theft of the 3.5 tonne blue Renault Master van was reported to Lincolnshire Police in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 12th February).
The loss of the van, which was used to collect and deliver items to the Nomad Trust charity shop on Sincil Street in Lincoln, is a massive blow to the organisation.
“It’s a great shame that we have been compromised in such a dreadful way,” said Malcolm Barham, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire YMCA.
“Clearly this setback is going to have a great impact on the operation of the charity shop which contributes to our fundraising efforts and the support that we provide to members of our local community.”
The furniture and electronics units at the charity’s warehouse – where the keys to the van were kept – were raided. The van, which features a white Nomad Trust logo and large white text, was driven through the metal shutters, causing hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage as a result.
Malcolm continued: “Because of recent cuts to our funding it will be a struggle for us to replace the van and repair the damage to warehouse shutter. We need the support of the public to help us find our van, and to consider supporting us with donations to get us back on our feet.”
Lincolnshire YMCA merged with the Nomad Trust in 2013 to help people secure and sustain tenancies in the city as well as providing ongoing support once housed.
The Nomad Trust charity shop provides good quality and affordable clothing and home items and furniture to public. It also provides access to free clothing, bedding and kitchen packs to its service users when they move into their accommodation.
Lincolnshire Police have launched an investigation and are trying to track down the stolen vehicle.
If you have any information in relation to the stolen van please call the police on 101 quoting incident number 53 of 12th February 2015.
Donations can be made via the Lincolnshire YMCA and Nomad Trust JustGiving page or dropped off at the charity shop on Sincil Street.
Ends
Notes of Editors:
• Lincoln YMCA was founded in 1869 and became Lincolnshire YMCA in 2005 when it merge with the Stamford branch.
• Lincolnshire YMCA, based on St Rumbold’s Street in Lincoln
• Lincolnshire YMCA merged with Nomad Trust in 2013, to help people secure and sustain tenancies in the city as well as providing on-going support once housed.
• Lincolnshire YMCA is one of the biggest providers of supported accommodation in Lincoln, and the only provider of night shelter in the county.
• In 2014 Lincolnshire YMCA provided 374 people with accommodation and is currently housing 109 residents aged from 18 to 66.
• For more information about Lincolnshire YMCA, please visit http://www.lincsymca.co.uk, or the Lincolnshire YMCA Facebook page or follow their twitter account @LincsYMCA.
For more information about this news release please contact:
Shey Osibowale
Shooting Star PR
Tel: 01522 528540
Mob: 07538 674 832
shey@weareshootingstar.co.uk
www.weareshootingstar.co.uk
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