Callous thief steals charity cashbox

LOW BLOW: Merivale's Chirp Op-Shop manager Collette Gaudin says the theft of a cashbox containing $116 from the store is a huge loss.PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

A thief has helped himself or herself to a cashbox in a Merivale charity store that provides social support services to the needy.

Liz Warren, manager of the Family Support Trust which operates Chirp opportunity shops in Merivale and Gate Pa, said the cashbox, containing $116, was stolen from the trust's Merivale store on October 6, while a volunteer was momentarily distracted.

Chirp stands for community, hope, inspiration, restoration and participation and is part of the Family Support Trust's community hub aimed at supporting people in need.

Mrs Warren said the funds raised through the trust's op shops and other fundraising efforts went towards providing several support services.

They included budgeting advice, free computer lessons and cooking and sewing classes.

Free English classes for new migrants were also recently added to the list of services after fundraising to hire a tutor.

Mrs Warren said the theft happened while one of the volunteers was busy grabbing a coffee.

The normal protocol was to lock the cashbox but it took only a few seconds for the brazen thief to snatch the box and flee the store, she said.

"The volunteer concerned is naturally very upset but we do realise these things do happen from time to time. It's very disappointing as our trust is a social support enterprise which works hard to assist people who need some help to find practical solutions to their problems."

Mrs Warren said the Merivale Chirp op shop opened only last July.

"We are still trying to build our resources up. The cash stolen may not sound much but it's a huge loss when the trust struggles to pay the $500 rent, power and rates each week."

News of the theft has spread around the community, prompting one man to donate $150.

Mrs Warren said she would love to hear from anyone willing to volunteer in the store, donate items or money, or possibly offer to tutor the trust's clients.

Anyone with information about the theft can call Tauranga police on 577 4300.