"I'm really blown away - the online response to the story has been incredible.
"I've received three offers of replacement welders and people have even been asking if I have a givealittle [fundraiser] they can donate to," Sinclair said.
Sinclair said the way the Hawke's Bay community has rallied support for the free welding course has been encouraging after it had to be cancelled this week.
He said he is very grateful for the positive response he's received from multiple communities online.
"I've had really positive responses on Napier News and other community Facebook pages.
"I even got a message from the head honcho of the Mongrel Mob in Maraenui, saying that he's not impressed with what's gone on and that he will be helping to investigate the whereabouts of the stolen equipment," he said.
Many of the messages flooding Sinclair's inbox have been telling him not to give up on the welding course and he wants to assure people that he's not.
"There's no way I'm giving up, we'll be starting again in a new venue on Monday or, if I get the gear back, we'll go back to the Maraenui clubrooms.
"To the negative commenters I would say show a little faith, have some trust in people, and they'll be more likely to show it back," he said.
