Pictured: Lto R Tom Fenwicke-Clennell, Product Director, Stanley Black and Decker, Nurse, Thames Hospice, Sean, Thames Hospice Maintenance, Debbie Raven, Chief Executive, Thames Hospice, Charlotte Bradley, HR Manager, Stanley Black and Decker, Jason, Thames Hospice Maintenance, Nurse, Thames Hospice
Stanley Black and Decker gives charity new goods for free, following tool theft ! The community came to Thames Hospice’s rescue when, on 18th July 2018, thieves broke into the charity’s maintenance van - stealing expensive power drills, specialist electrical equipment and hand tools, as well as damaging the vehicle.
The break-in caused significant disruption to the charity’s maintenance team, whose van was taken off the road to be repaired. However, a social media plea for help replacing the stolen tools led to unprecedented acts of kindness from the local community, including leading power tools manufacturer Stanley Black and Decker.
Colleagues from the global organisation’s Slough Head Office saw Thames Hospice’s Facebook post and, that very same day, arrived at the Hospice with new tools and equipment; incredibly, replacing every stolen item and more for free. As well as this, the public has donated nearly £800 to help the Hospice increase its vehicle security in the wake of the mindless attack.
Debbie Raven, Chief Executive at Thames Hospice, said: “We have been totally overwhelmed by the incredible response to our plea for help. The break-in left Hospice staff shocked and upset, as well as causing considerable delay to our important maintenance work, so Stanley Black and Decker really saved the day!
“The funds raised through our JustGiving page will be spent on extra security to protect our staff and property. We can't thank our community enough for rallying around to look after us in our time of need.”
Charlotte Bradley, HR Manager, Stanley Black and Decker, added: “Stanley Black and Decker prides itself on its support to local charities; as soon as we heard the news of the tool theft we knew we had to step in. Thames Hospice does such an amazing job caring for so many locally, it was our privilege to help out.”
The incident was reported to Thames Valley Police, but the Hospice was told the tools were unlikely to be recovered.