Kids need Dadz has been burgled and forced to close its refuge temporarily as they can't afford the $2500 insurance excess. Pictured is manager Pam Bassett. Photo/Andrew Warner
Kids need Dadz has been burgled and forced to close its refuge temporarily as they can't afford the $2500 insurance excess. Pictured is manager Pam Bassett. Photo/Andrew Warner
A Tauranga social service organisation burgled of most of its appliances and furniture has been inundated with donations.
Tauranga's Kidz Need Dadz refuge had closed its doors after thieves raided their Greerton premises and stole appliances and furniture.
This morning, the charity said it cannot replace the items because of the high excess on its insurance policy.
However, this afternoon the organisation told the Bay of Plenty Times they had received an ''amazing response''.
Manager Pam Bassett said ''the messages of support make you remember what special work we do and how much it is appreciated by the community''.
''I think sometimes when these things happen you lose a little faith in humanity but with the out pouring of support it is quickly renewed.''
Ms Basset stood in an empty kitchen yesterday and asked the Bay of Plenty Times "who does this to a social service organisation that is helping people? I am absolutely shocked. So much of our stuff has been stolen."
Ms Bassett came into work at the refuge on Fraser St and discovered the fridge/freezer, washing machine, freezer, dining room table and chairs, two bikes and linen had been stolen.
The fridge had been emptied of its contents and food was strewn across the bench. She said the discovery "is just heartbreaking because it's so expensive to make a claim on our insurance ... the excess is really up there".
The break-in has effectively "shut us down because we can't have the refuge running with no amenities, we can't operate".
Kidz Need Dadz manager Pam Bassett said its refuge is temporarily closed after it was burgled. Photo / Andrew Warner
However, the phones would still be answered and assistance provided wherever possible, she said. Kidz Need Dadz refuge had 335 occupied adult nights and 294 nights with children and their fathers in 2014.
On average it supported 32 parents per month at the office and with weekly meetings - and was getting more calls for support from men since Relationships Aotearoa closed its doors, she said.
No one was in the refuge at the time of the burglary and a report was made to police, after a scene of crime officer fingerprinted the premises. Ms Bassett believed it was likely a trailer was used as the household items were big and someone may have seen something. "It's a really busy street."
The organisation had to apply for funding and relied on donations and any donations would be gratefully received. Kidz Need Dadz was established in 2007 and provides support and accommodation for fathers and children.
Police Sergeant Carolyn Crawford said if anyone witnessed the incident or had anything to help they could ring 577 4300 and quote the file number 150609-4091.
Alternatively they could call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
* Items stolen included a fridge/freezer, freezer, washing machine, dining room table and chairs, two bikes and linen. If you think you can help, pls call 571 0379 or email manager@kidzneeddadz.org.nz
