Volunteers at Peterborough charity that helps feed homeless left devastated after donations stolen

The theft was discovered on Friday morning (December 30) at a garage in Werrington that a local business allows the charity to use and was found by co-founder Fiona Winchester.

Most of the items taken were specially purchased to be donated and includes socks, boxer shorts, trainers, toiletries, sleeping bags and some tinned food.

The theft has been particularly devastating for the fully self-financed organisation as this year been the busiest of their three years in existence, and their operation has expanded massively since March.

Peterborough Homeless Helpers have played an instrumental role in feeding and clothing the homeless in the city during the pandemic, taking part in the Garden House’s project to feed all those taken off the streets as part of the government’s ‘Everyone In’ project. Last week, they provided more than 160 meals.

Fiona said: I’m really shocked, I didn’t really absorb it at the time. It is devastating as people have put so much into this and have been so generous with their donations.

“We have been inundated with wonderful messages though, you can really see the community spirit through Covid. I remember putting out a message trying to find a small fridge for one of the families we were helping as theirs was broken. It was just a long shot really but within the day I had four offered for free.”

The charity are now appealing to replace what has been taken but are unable to accept used items at the moment, except jeans, as all their hubs are closed. The items that are needed most are the same ones that were stolen, such as toiletries, men’s and women’s socks and underwear, men’s t-shirts and rucksacks, with the charity in desperate need of men’s jeans size 30-32.

If you wish to support Peterborough Homeless Helpers, you can visit their Facebook page by clicking here.