Officials at Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario are breathing a collective sigh of relief after some local business decided to help out after a dispiriting theft.
Earlier this week, several power tools were stolen from a trailer at a Habitat building site on Forbes St. in London. Thieves damaged the lock on the trailer to gain access.
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario CEO Brian Elliot described the theft as being like a "punch to the stomach" because, not only did they lose the tools, they also lost a day of progress on the new homes for two families in need.
Elliot's mood became considerably brighter on Thursday morning when he was informed by The Stax Show on Free 98.1 that a number of clients of the radio station heard the call for help.
Gifts of $500 are being given to Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario by Moffat and Powell RONA, R-Safety in St. Thomas, Preferred Insurance, and Carpenters Union Local 1946. The money will be used to replace the stolen tools.
Also, Action Trailers is going to fix the damaged trailer and replace the broken lock with a new one that is theft-proof.
"It's hard to make me speechless, but that is outstanding," said Elliot. "Our team, as you can imagine, was pretty down about [the theft]. You spend a lot of time working for families and then to have this happen. This is not only going to lift the spirits of the families but certainly the organization."
Donations are still being accepted. Anyone would like to help out by donating tools or volunteering at one of the build sites can contact Habitat for Humanity at 519-455-6623 or email info@habitat4home.ca.
