Co-op stores donate 'game-changing' funds to Moira Furnace venue after theft of equipment last year
By Graham Hill 3rd Feb 2024
Two Co-op stores have joined forces to present a cheque for £300 to Moira Furnace and Country Park after important electrical equipment was stolen last year.
The visitor attraction near Ashby had a container broken into last April and items worth around £3,000 were taken during the night and never recovered.
The thieves stole equipment such as strimmers, a lawnmower, a chainsaw and a generator.
A gofundme appeal raised just over £1,000, which meant that some of the items could be replaced.
But now Ashby and Moira Co-ops have joined forces to donate funds towards helping Moira Furnace replace what was taken.
The venue's operations manager, Katrina Pentelow, said that the money is a 'game changer' in terms of supporting the people who work there.
She said: "I only joined in November, but I know that every penny counts here, this is a small charity.
"So this donation is a game-changer.
"The volunteers work really hard here and it's really disheartening when stuff like that happens.
"This shows that the community is behind us, so that we can replace this kit and don't need to panic.
"It's a feelgood vibe for us to have now, because I know at the time, just looking in, it was a really negative thing to happen.
"But this shows that people have got our back and we can replace what was taken."
The store managers, Dave Canner at Moira, and Richard Walton, from the Ashby Store in Derby Road, pooled their resources and provided the donation.
Dave said: "We felt it was a good cause to donate to, and we have this fund where, for one-off support that meets the right criteria.
"This comes under helping people with their mental health so that they can enjoy an outdoor venue like Moira Furnace and Country Park.
"The money came from the Community Donation Programme, there was £150 from each store. Richard read about the theft, he drove it, and we wanted to do something towards it."
It was thought that the stolen equipment was being sold on in the Swadlincote area, but no-one was ever arrested for the offence.
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