Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has thrown his support behind a Bundaberg charity that has been hit by callous thieves who stole $4000 worth of gardening equipment.

Hearing of Bridges Health and Community Care’s plight, Mr Bennett and Cooper’s Home Hardware joined forces to give the charity an in-store credit to allow the group to replace some of the stolen goods.

“This is an organisation that is helping people rebuild their lives in our community and to steal from them is such a low act,” Mr Bennett said.

“While our donation obviously won’t cover everything that has been taken from Bridges Health and Community Care’s rehabilitation centre, I hope that others in our community will be encouraged to give what they can to help this group replace their much-needed equipment.”

Bridges Health & Community Care CEO Sharon Sarah was heartened by the news that the community was rallying around to help us.

“We are really grateful to Stephen Bennett and Cooper’s Home Hardware for taking the initiative and kicking off this campaign, including an initial donation of $400,” she said.

“Clients that were using the gardening equipment at the Haven will be delighted with this gesture and, that they live in a community that supports people with mental illness.”

Mr Bennett thanked Steve Cooper and his team at Cooper’s Home Hardware for their assistance.

“When I approached Coopers Home Hardware to offer a helping hand to the charity, they had no hesitation to offer what they could,” he said.

“The Christmas spirit is well and truly alive in this community and I thank Cooper’s Home Hardware for coming on board.”

An in-store credit of $400 has been set up in Cooper’s Home Hardware and additional donations from the public are welcome.

If you would like to help Bridges Health and Community Care get back on its feet, contact 1300 707 655.