After a nasty break-in two weeks ago, the Brock Niagara Penguins are slowly recovering - financially and emotionally.
The sports club for youth and young adults with physical disabilities lost $22,000 worth of equipment when thieves broke into two trailers parked outside the Port Weller Community Centre, stealing two handcycle bikes and a carbon-frame race chair, as well as damaging another handcycle bike and some other equipment.
"It was by far the hardest blow to the club since I started it 14 years ago", founder Karen Natho told Thorold News.
Leaving few traces for police to follow up on, the club immediately started thinking about the most important thing for them;
Get the programs up and running again.
"Rest assured, we are not going to let this happen again", said Natho, celebrating the community support.
Businesses and private donors came together and heeded the club's call for support.
At the time of writing, $6000 has been raised of the $10,000 goal to replace the equipment, restoring Natho's faith in humanity.
The fundraiser can be found here.
"The Energy Cycling club saw our story and said 'this isn't right', and wanted to help us get back on our feet. They handed us a check for $2500. I am feeling really embraced", she continued.
For a chance to support the club and get some dinner, Club Belvedere in Thorold is throwing a pasta buffet fundraiser dinner on Wednesday, April 8, 6 - 8 p.m
"It is a good chance to come out and hear some presentations and meet us and many of our club parents", Natho said.
Despite the massive setback, she sees some light in the situation as the attention around the incident has made many more people aware of the club, and Natho says she hopes they could gain some new athletes in wake of the ordeal.
As for the thieves likely trying to move the highly specific equipment on the black market, Natho has a message.
"Just drop it off somewhere, like outside city hall. It will be found sooner or later, but we are not holding our breath".
