Donations pour in after tricycles swiped from special needs centre

The theft of four tricycles for children with developmental disabilities has resulted in a flood of donations for a Calgary educational centre.

Someone broke into the Midnapore location of the Providence Children's Centre some time in the past week by climbing a fence, said police on Tuesday.

Once on the property at 14707 Bannister Road S.E., the thief or thieves took four specially designed tricycles used for physiotherapy and to develop preschoolers' strength and motor skills.

"Our bikes are specially ordered because they're heavy duty, kind of indestructible, and therefore they get costly," said Margaret Jokuty, vice-president of operations for the centre on Wednesday.

Two of the trikesare estimated to be about $250 each. Jokuty said the centre reported the theft to police, simply hoping that someone would spot the distinctive tricycles and return them.

'It's lovely for our children and our parents and our staff to see. There's an awful lot of good people in the world.' Margaret Jokuty, Providence Children's Centre

After several media outlets reported on the theft a day ago, the centre has been receiving calls of support, donations through its website, and promises of cheques in the mail.

"Unbelievable outpouring of people calling. It's lovely for our children and our parents and our staff to see. There's an awful lot of good people in the world," said Jokuty.

Donationswill go to new therapeutic equipment

Christine Keogh, the centre's resource development officer, said the donations received so far total more than $1,000. After replacing the tricycles, the extra financial support will go towards other therapeutic equipment, she said.

Providence Children's Centre runs preschool and junior kindergarten programs in five locations for about 350 children with disabilities age 16 months to six years.

Students have conditions ranging from speech and language delays to Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy, said Jokuty. The centre's outreach services involve about 700 children.

While theeducation programs are funded by the province, the centre purchases most of its specialized equipment through donations and fundraising.

Two of the missing tricycles are yellow and black with the brand name "Lakeshore" on them. The third is green and black with altered footplates, and the fourth trike is blue.