A Calgary charity is in shock following the brazen theft of bags of donated parkas and other clothing that were destined for the city’s less fortunate.
Project Warmth has been collecting used and new winter gear for years in Calgary. They also clean and repair donated items as well, said Jonathan Fesik, vice president of operations.
But the organization has never been a victim of crime before, Fesik said.
“Very unusual, it’s crazy really,” he said.
WATCH: Project Warmth in need of donations
Fesik said things were busy Tuesday at the charity’s northeast operation when staff noticed something was amiss — more than 10 bags of donated clothing that had been placed near the building’s bay doors were gone.
Calgary police confirmed an investigation is underway and they are looking at CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Fesik said the thieves were pretty brazen and must have had a van or a similar vehicle to transport the large bags of clothing.
The theft is a blow to the charity, as donations are down this year, he said. Fesik also worries the theft is a symptom of a greater problem.
LISTEN: Jonathan Fesik joins The Morning News to discuss how the bags of coats were stolen
The stolen winter items had been donated by Strategic Group, and spokesperson Daorcey Le Bray said it’s hard to put a value on the donations.
“People went through kid’s drawers to find something that doesn’t fit anymore,” Le Bray said. Those donations are new products to give to people in need and those are even donations of people who hand knit or a toque or mittens, so there’s a lot of themselves into this donation process.
“It’s terribly saddening. It made us feel sick because that doesn’t just mean1,000 pieces of clothing, that translates into hundreds who need warm clothes when the temperature drops tomorrow — that’s sad.”
Fesik said the group is accepting donations to get their stock up again. People who want to help out can drop off donations at any fire hall.
With files from Jill Croteau, Global News.
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