Thieves have stolen $10,000 worth of appliances waiting to be installed at a facility being built for families in need.

Sometime over Saturday night a truck and at least two thieves gained access into The Transformational Living Centre (TLC) on Parsons Road loading up two brand new high quality industrial washers, a dryer and nine ceiling fans, all ready to be installed.

The theft was discovered at around 7.30am when volunteers arrived at the site to carry out landscaping work.

“The renovations to the building are about 80 per cent complete – it’s a terrible thing when thieves target a project like this”, said Sheelagh Cooper, chairwoman of Habitat for Humanity which is overseeing the renovation of the centre.

“Just Friday, someone reached out looking for a better way of life and a place to live for her family. It gave us hope that we are on the right path and will be meeting real needs in our community.

“Our hearts are broken that thieves would not consider the difference that such a facility and programme will make in the lives of vulnerable single women in the community and their families.”

This afternoon the organisation said it had received several calls from people wishing to make a donation after learning about the break-in.

“We haven’t given up hope of recovering these items,” Ms Cooper said.

“We’re just appealing to members of the public – if anyone approaches you offering some Hunter ceiling fans or Samsung washer or dryer and a cheap price, they’re ours.

“We encourage folks to contact the Police, Habitat for Humanity 296-0256 or the Women’s Resource Centre on 295-3882 with any information”.

The Living Centre is a joint project headed up by Habitat for Humanity and the Women’s Resource Centre and is due to become a home and transformative programme for up to ten women and their families who are challenged in life, including being homeless.