The Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre was rocked by an unexpected break-in, however the unfortunate incident highlighted the local communities generosity.
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When locking-up the Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre at 6pm on Sunday, December 8, gym president Sergio Prado-Arnuero never expected to open the doors at 10am on the following Tuesday to find that it had been broken into.
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Treasurer Carol Tullett described the gym as a not-for-profit community asset, which is run solely by volunteers.
“Here, we are a family,” Sergio said when describing the close-knit community at the gym.
The gym covers the costs of bills and maintenance by charging members a small fee, as well as through their vending machine selling soft drinks for $1.
As soon as Sergio opened the doors, he knew that there had been a break-in.
Not only had the back doors been unlatched, but the previously full vending machine, which not only provides members with a refreshing break from their exercise, but also helps the volunteer-run gym cover their costs, was empty except for two cans of soft drink.
Sergio also noticed they were missing an office bin and a new, relatively unused Stihl whipper snipper.
“The gym has always run on a basis of trust, friendship and respect,” Carol said.
“For a short time Sergio and committee members felt that these fundamental core beliefs were rocked.”
However, this idea changed on Wednesday, December 11, when, in the afternoon, Carol posted a comment in the Seymour Buy Swap and Sell Facebook group.
The Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre superhero mural highlights the importance of strength and resilience in difficult times.
Carol’s intention was purely to raise awareness about the incident, and potentially draw attention to suspicious postings attempting to sell the same whipper snipper that was stolen.
“There was no aim to get anything replaced,” Carol said.
When Carol checked her post that night, however, she found an overwhelming response.
“Within a few hours, we had a lot of people saying how sorry they were,” Carol said.
“I couldn’t believe the generosity.”
Carol was stunned to see the comments left by members of the community, one of which was from Craig, Brad and Josh Weaire of GV Security Fencing, who offered to replace the stolen whipper snipper, free of charge.
Carol said that it is acts such as this that reinforce the good of the community.
“Needless to say, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support our humble club has received from GV Security Fencing and the community,” Carol said.
“In fact, it has made us realise once again that there is a lot of good in our community and that trust, friendship and respect does indeed still exist.”
Sergio, Carol, and the committee of management at the Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre wish to extend their gratitude to the community for being so supportive during this difficult situation.
