Money raised for injured girl is stolen
A NEW fundraiser is to be launched after money which had been raised to help a 10-year-old girl who was injured in a hit-and-run incident was stolen in a raid on a Glasgow foodbank.
Greater Maryhill Foodbank had raised a four-figure sum to send Chelsea Sommerville and her family on holiday.
Chelsea broke her leg after being hit by a car on Sandbank Street in Glasgow last year which killed her friend, 11-year-old Sophie Brannan.
Over the weekend the money was taken, along with supermarket vouchers and clothing from the foodbank.
Julie Webster, who runs the food bank told CommonSpace that the theft was “unforgivable”.
“I locked up at 5pm on Friday. My driver and one of my volunteers came in to open up on Monday and there was a full body shape hole the roof.
“The place was left a complete mess and the babies nappies and children’s clothing was strewn all over the floor. They managed to get away with money and Tesco vouchers and clothing. It’s horrific and unforgivable. “
Webster said that since the incident, the response of the people of Glasgow had been “unbelievable” and that they plan to set up a Just Giving page to facilitate donations.
“The response has been unbelievable. Today is a clear up but then we will get back to it and make sure we get everything back for Chelsea and her family. We will be working day and night to get things up and running again,” said Webster.
Webster also praised the response of the emergency services.
“I know the police get a bad rep in Glasgow,” she added, “but yesterday their treatment of us was outstanding. The police officer stayed with me all day and helped me open up. The people of Maryhill will rally round.”
The news of the theft was broken in an emotional message on Facebook.
The foodbank has already been inundated with offers of help and support, with someone already handing in PS1,000 to Smooth Radio after hearing about it on the news.