GTA charity keeps on truckin’ after catalytic converter theft

GTA charity keeps on truckin’ after catalytic converter theft Fundraising campaign to help Furniture Bank recover exceeds $20,000 goal

TORONTO, March 11, 2015 -- It’s been just over a week since thieves immobilized most of Furniture Bank’s truck fleet by stealing about $20,000 worth of catalytic converters, but the charity has bounced back with an outpouring of community support. The GTA charity announced today the ‘Keep on Trucking’ fundraising campaign that began days after the crime has already exceed its goal, raising more than $20,000. “We have been truly overwhelmed the response from across the country,” says Dan Kershaw, executive director of Furniture Bank. “We are immensely grateful for the concern and support shown by individual donors, businesses and our community partners.   “Thanks to our old friends and some new ones, we have turned a lemons into lemonade,” he adds. “This experience has made us stronger and more committed to our goal -- making sure gently used furniture can help those who need it to start a new homes and new lives.” Furniture Bank is a charity and social enterprise that works with people who were once homelessness, women and children escaping abusive situations, refugees and newcomers to Canada. It offers a unique furniture removal and pickup service from its headquarters at 25 Connell Court near Kipling Avenue and the Gardiner Expressway in Etobicoke. On the night of February 27, thieves stole the catalytic converters from four of the charity's six trucks. The incident was caught on video, broadcast across the country, printed in newspapers, posted online and shared on social media. Furniture Bank serves more than 100 clients a week and was worried it would be unable to meet their needs after the theft. But not one of them was affected. Businesses with trucks  called up, donating their delivery vehicles and crews. Among them:  LEONS Furniture, 1-800-GOT-JUNK, 1-800-RID-OF-IT, Tallman Truck Centre, and Elegant Kitchen Gallery, and with financial support from Alterna Bank, Rotary Club of Etobicoke and several anonymous and individual donors. Leons Furniture has been providing their trucks and teams every day since the theft, with stores around the GTA getting involved. “It’s true that many hands make light work,” says Julio Barrera, General Manager, Leon's Furniture Weston, a new supporter who learned about the charity’s efforts through media coverage of the theft. “We are honoured to help Furniture Bank help thousands of people in the GTA who don’t have a bed to sleep on, a table to eat on or a sofa to sit down on with their families.” About Furniture Bank Furniture Bank works with more than 75 shelters and community agencies to refer clients with a focus is on helping new immigrants, women and children, and people transitioning out of homelessness. Since 1996, the charity has empowered nearly 60,000 people, including 18,000 children and youth, in starting new chapters in a true home. In the process, we help turn an empty space into a true home.