“Overwhelming” public response after burglary at Richmond charity

A charity says it has been “overwhelmed” by the public response after a burglary last month.

Thieves broke into industrial units used by Just the Job Environment Enterprise on the Gallowfields Industrial Estate in Richmond on May 23.

They stole money and tools, and caused extensive damage.

 

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The charity works with adult with disabilities to achieve their potential by doing work in the community, including gardening.

Manager Steve Biggs said they had been devastated by the incident, especially the team members who he said had found it particularly unsettling.

He said the break-in had caused considerable disruption to the services offered by the charity.

However, he said the public response to the burglary had been “overwhelming”.

So far, around £5,000 has been donated by individuals and local businesses.

Equipment has been lent to the charity by local contractors.

New machinery has also been donated, including a battery-powered strimmer which was delivered through the post without any note to say who it was purchased by.

A grand raffle has been organised by members of Richmond Business and Tourism Association with prizes donated by local businesses.

Tickets are available at businesses in Richmond, including Neaps and Tatties Greengrocers, The Estate Cafe, Mocha, Black Lion,The Holly Hill pub, Crossview Tearooms, Roots and Shoots and The Wives Kitchen.

The draw will take place at an open day at Just the Job on Saturday, June 23

Steve said: “It really has been amazing.

“It shows that there are a lot more good people out there than the baddies.”

“One good thing that has come out of it is that it has helped to let people know what we do here at Just the Job.”

At the open day later this month the charity will reveal plans for a new purpose-built facility which they are hoping to build on land near the Gallowfields estate.

Steve said the project would allow Just the Job to increase the range of services it offered and number of people it worked with.

• Just the job will host a course on traditional scything on July 18 for the discount price of £35. The course is open to the pub. Call 01748 822815 or email info@just-the-job.org.uk for more details.