Charity wrappers' shock as thieves take collection tin

Published on Tuesday 22 December 2009 09:23

CHARITY fundraisers today described the theft of a collection tin as they wrapped Christmas presents in a city shopping centre, as a "slap in the face".

Three members of staff from the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre and an MS sufferer were wrapping presents in Ocean Terminal on Saturday afternoon when the tin, containing around 200, was taken.

Today the charity said the theft was a "slap in the face" for volunteers and appealed for help in recovering the money.

MSTC Lothian supports around 200 people in Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Borders and Fife living with MS, as well as a range of other conditions. Representatives had spent four days wrapping presents outside Debenhams on the first floor of the shopping centre. The theft happened at around 3pm, shortly after centre MSTC Lothian director Gordon MacRae had received a 20 donation from one happy customer.

He said: "I am utterly shocked, saddened and ultimately disgusted someone could steal from a charity right under their noses.

"We were extremely busy and people were being very generous. For a small charity like us, 200 is a lot of money – money we can't afford to lose. I feel very sorry for those who donated money in good faith, and our helpers who donated their time, that it won't go to helping our members.

"I would appeal to anyone who thinks they might have seen something suspicious to get in touch with the police."

The therapy centre, based in Leith's Bonnington Road, provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy which is known to relieve the symptoms associated with the chronic condition. The treatment can also help with a number of other conditions.

Centre administrator Alice Anderson said: "I am absolutely disgusted someone could do this – particularly so close to Christmas.

"The money would have meant a lot to the centre, and I know our members will be very disappointed that our fundraising efforts have, in effect, been wasted."

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This was a callous crime, and we are appealing for any information that can help us identify who is responsible.

"Anyone who was in the area outside Debenhams department store between 2:45pm and 3:15pm, who noticed anyone acting suspiciously there, should contact police."