THUNDER BAY — The founder of a local not-for-profit organization victimized by a thief is taking the high road.
Michelle Murdoch-Gibson of Rowan Tree Collective returned Monday from a brief vacation to find the barbecue used for life skills programming with clients had been stolen.
"I can only hope that someone who's taken something from someone like us is because they're in really difficult circumstances, and they need money that's maybe helping them buy food they can't afford...Unfortunately that meant we lost our barbecue," she said in an interview Tuesday.
After posting about the theft on social media, the response from the public left Murdoch-Gibson "touched by the outpouring of concern and support."
She'd hoped someone might spot the BBQ in a back lane somewhere, and that there might be a chance to recover it.
"But immediately, we started getting people sending us messages, offering us their own BBQs to borrow or to have. And a few people stepped up and said they would like to purchase a new one for us. So we're very thankful," she said.
This week, Rowan Tree Collective will receive a replacement – the same model as the one that was stolen – courtesy of city realtor Vince Mirabelli and his nephew Alex.
"When I saw that post, it really disheartened me a lot, because they're a great charity that does some really good things for young adults with autism. And that was the second charity in two weeks now that's posted that something's been stolen from them," Mirabelli told Newswatch.
"I just jumped on it really quick when I saw it, because the chances of the other BBQ popping up are slim."
He added "It's sad this stuff's happening across the city like it is. I mean, people get stuff stolen at their houses. Now thieves are stealing from charities. It's getting very sad."
Rowan Tree Collective's new BBQ will come with a locking system.
