When thieves gained access to the Benalla Lions Club shed in Waller St at some point prior to Saturday, June 3, they stole a number of items — including the club’s food van.
The upshot was that the club had to cancel its Driver Reviver station which was due to be at the Mokoan north rest area on the Hume Fwy on the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The vital service, which literally saves lives, is also an important fundraiser for the club.
The money it would have raised would have gone back into the community via a number of programs.
On Thursday, June 15 the club welcomed new president Peter Poels who called the act disgusting.
“We work for the community so it’s very disappointing to have this done to us,” Mr Poels said.
“It could even be a person, or persons, that we, as a club, have helped when they needed it. That’s the worst part.
“And it stops us doing more projects that we can make money from to give back to the community.”
Club members found out about the break in on the Saturday morning.
“One of our members who is in SES, he heard it on the police radio,” Mr Poels said.
“There was a police member living out near Tatong who was driving around and saw the truck parked off the road, and realised it shouldn’t be there.
“We got the call around 8.30am. Then we went to the club shed and realised it had also been broken into.”
Mr Poels said the club discovered many things were missing, including various trophies and even some Melvin Jones Fellowships — one of the highest honours given to club members.
“The items taken would be valued at hundreds of dollars,” Mr Poels said.
With regards to the van, Mr Poels said the damage to it would also be in the range of hundreds of dollars, at least.
“We haven’t had the assessor in as yet, so we don’t know for sure how much it will cost,” he said.
“We know they took the GPS and there is some electrical damage.
“They’ve used the fire extinguisher to try and block out the sign writing, and they’ve taken the number plates off.
“We also have a barbecue plate inside which has been stolen. That was $500 on its own.”
Mr Poels said at this stage the club was unsure when the van would be back on the road.
“When we did the Easter long weekend we raised $1000 which we could donate to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal,” he said.
“When we do the other long weekends we probably make about $500, all of which would go back into the community.”