It wasn’t a Canada Day to celebrate for Calgary’s Good4U recycling store.
Thieves allegedly sifted through the social enterprise’s northeast Calgary location, swiping most of the valuable used furniture and appliances from their store. Along with it, the group’s new Ford E-450 cube van was taken.
According to Adrian Bohach, CEO of Enterprise4good, operator of Good4U, volunteers and employees came to work at their six-month old, 12,000 square foot store Tuesday to find the place in disarray.
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“They (thieves) must have known that we weren’t going to be open because it seemed like they took their time,” Bohach said.
“They went through everything and they stole all the high value items like appliances and cupboards and things like that.”
Bohach said they also took sales receipts and records, along with their debit machine from the 1338 – 36 Avenue NE location.
Their cube van was only three weeks old.
“They probably loaded up the cube van with all the stuff they wanted to steal,” Bohach said.
Calgary police have confirmed they attended the location, suspecting the theft occurred between June 29 and July 2.
Good4U a Calgary charity operating a social enterprise
While they are considered a Calgary charity, Bohach said they operate as a social enterprise, which means they generate most of their revenue from business activity rather than grants or donations.
Good4U accepts and recycles furniture, appliances, household and building supplies and other décor. The proceeds from the sale of the items helps provide employment and training for individuals with physical and mental challenges.
They also fund programming for vulnerable kids with special needs – mainly Autism, Bohach said, and also seniors with dementia.
Last year alone, Bohach said the group provided help to more than 1,300 people.
They’re hoping Calgarians will step up to help by thinking of them if they’re looking to recycle some of the higher value items that the thieves allegedly swiped. Anyone with these items can contact the group at info@good-4u.com and provide photos of the goods that are available.
Tax receipts from the Calgary charity are available for any household donation over $50.
Bohach also said that without their cube van they can’t do pickups or deliveries, so if there’s anyone willing to donate a trailer, it would help them.
Those needing more information can call 403-276-1616.
