On Saturday 20th August, autism charity, Daisy Chain’s Charity Superstore on Portrack Lane, Stockton was targeted by thieves resulting in an estimated £10,000 worth of damage.
This appalling act directly impacts the support the charity provides for vulnerable beneficiaries across the Tees Valley and beyond. The charity is still recovering losses post-COVID, and in 2023 the costs of running the organisation’s two sites will increase by just under £40,000 as the country heads into a recession and cost of living crisis.
CEO, Neeraj Sharma said: “We’re so saddened that these individuals would target a charity. We work really hard to raise income for ourselves, through retail, fundraising and events, particularly since those areas were hard hit by the pandemic.
“Post-pandemic, all communities have been impacted however for autistic individuals and their families, the change in routine and structure has had an extremely negative impact. This crime has taken money directly from these people, and the services we provide to support them.”
In addition to recouping funds lost, the Superstore also requires immediate building work to its roof and internal structures.
If you are an individual or business and would like to support the charity following the incident, please visit https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/ to donate or contact directly via info@daisychainproject.co.uk