Disappointing theft from a charity garden
MEMEBERS of the Milpara Men’s Shed Hospital Garden were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after soil, seedlings and plants were stolen on three separate occasions from the garden over the past two weeks. The volunteer gardeners discovered at...
MEMBERS of the Milpara Men’s Shed Hospital Garden were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after soil, seedlings and plants were stolen on three separate occasions from the garden over the past two weeks.
The volunteer gardeners discovered at least four wheelbarrow loads of top quality soil had been taken from one garden bed that was ready for seeding.
Two large tomato plants had also been taken from another bed, along with a shovel full of lettuce seedlings, and a few days later, bean seedlings were also missing.
The garden was set up about 15 years ago and has been supplying fresh and nutritious food to those in need since.
It is the first time the gardeners have experienced theft on this scale and are very disappointed by these blatant acts and would rather people didn’t take things from the garden.
The fresh fruit and vegetables grown at the Milpara Men’s Shed Hospital Garden are donated to the Milpara Food Bank at the Milpara Community House in Korumburra.
Produce is also sold and funds go directly back into the garden and towards buying meat to go into casserole dishes which the group also make for Milpara Food Bank; cooking over 100 casseroles last year.
While the cost of the theft amounts to approximately $100 dollars, it is taking from a charity that disappoints the volunteers as it ultimately means less food for those in need and is a disregard for the effort put in to maintaining the garden.
The volunteers commented that if people are struggling, they just need to come and ask, as they are happy to give; and the Milpara Food Bank is also a wonderful resource with a range of fresh and dry food for those in need.
