An East Lothian kids charity has been left devastated to discover that thousands of pounds of outdoor equipment was stolen from their premises in Musselburgh.
Heartless thieves cut open the metal containers housing the water activities equipment that the charity relies on for the children that use the services.
Claire and Antony behind the charity Venturing Out were shocked and saddened today to discover the theft of kayaks, paddleboards and paddles.
This equipment is predominately used for sessions with children with additional support needs. It is also used for school holiday programme activities and with School Groups.
With spring coming the organisers are concerned for the affect this will have on children and their families who rely on this service to get out and spend some much needed quality time together.
Venturing Out are an East Lothian based not-for-profit organisation. They run an extensive outdoor activities provision for children with additional support needs, offering year round access to adventurous activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and bushcraft.
The children attend with their parents, carers and siblings with everyone taking part in the activity at the same time.
Michelle Scott who attends regularly with her 12-year-old daughter said: "I am devastated that this happened to Venturing Out.
"Our 12 year old daughter Tilly has a rare genetic condition resulting in numerous additional support needs (severe learning disability, autism, limited mobility, non-verbal to name a few), and finding activities that we can enjoy as a family is extremely difficult.
"We have been going to the sessions offered by Venturing Out for the last few years and honestly owe so much to them. They provide us with an opportunity to have fun with BOTH of our children, and we have seen Tilly's confidence grow so much since we started the sessions with them.
"The theft of their equipment is a massive blow to the community they work with."
The mum-of-two has launched a fundraising page to replace the equipment stolen which comes to around £4000, they have raised £600 so far.
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Carrie Murray another mum who uses the charity said: "Both of my autistic sons benefit enormously from the work this organisation does. It gives them access to activities they would not otherwise be able to access and is wonderful for their confidence."
Antony Stone, Operations Director added “We were gutted to discover the theft of this vital equipment today. We use it so regularly with many groups, but mainly with children with additional support needs.
"The SUP’s in particular are amazingly stable on the water for the young people and by far the most popular items of equipment that we have. With spring being just round the corner, it will be really difficult to replace these items.
"There has been an unprecedented demand for outdoor equipment during lockdown which, has left it really hard to get hold of equipment. We have been overwhelmed by the public response to this and appreciate every single one of the supportive comments and offerings that we have had.”
“Around 11.55 am on Wednesday 19 January, 2022, police received a report of a storage container having been broken into and a number of paddleboards and kayaks stolen at Levenhall Links Leisure Park, Musselburgh. “Enquiries are ongoing.”
