Rotherham gym robbed of charity Christmas cash
Well-wishers were quick to contribute towards their overheads
Organisers face having to dip into their own pockets to keep a Rotherham gym open after 'low life' raiders stole a safe containing hundreds of pounds, some of which was earmarked for charity.
Atif Shafiq and Abdul Majid are having to pay the rent out of their own money at the Unity Boxing Centre, a non-profit community club on Aldwarke Lane in Rawmarsh.
"The club is our hobby and our passion and we keep some money aside to help families who can't make ends meet" said Shafiq.
"It is sad to see people are prepared to go that low that they will take from kids.
"They got in round the back of the building. The world is not a nice place sometimes and desperate measures are now needed but our gym will be ok. There is no risk to the club, we will rebuild."
The former professional boxer said money was not usually kept in the building, but there had been a slip-up.
Well-wishers were quick to contribute towards their overheads and Christmas charity missions via a JustGiving page set up by Majid, who described the criminals responsible as "low life."
You can support the fundraising HERE
Later the gym posted to supporters: "It was really a big blow being robbed but we know you have our backs and can support us to drive donations forward to help those in need at a very difficult time of year for so many.
“Unity will always be more than just a boxing gym and we really appreciate all the offers no matter their size."
Rotherham councillor Jodi Ryalls also went online saying: "Unity Boxing Centre work tirelessly in our communities they help deliver boxing classes to youngsters but also our elderly across the borough.
"They hold SEN classes in smaller numbers for children with special educational needs and overall just do so much in our communities, from feeding the homeless, helping out in community cafes at Sunnyside, buying pizzas for the kids at boxing so all the kids have had a meal together, providing Christmas presents for the less unfortunate or families that are struggling at Xmas the list of the positive things that these guys have done is endless.
"So to see on social media they have had the gym broken into a safe space where children and vulnerable adults attend is heartbreaking, what’s even worse is the charity donation tin they have started for this year's Christmas appeal has been stolen.
"This money was to start the Christmas toy appeal due to how successful it was last year."
She added: "I’m not asking for much and these guys never ask for anything at all I’m kickstarting it with a 50 quid donation out of my own pocket if anyone has anything spare to help contribute towards their Christmas toy appeal I’d appreciate it.
"Kids and elderly can’t go without this Christmas just because of selfish thieving people."
The councillor recalled how the gym had had “many children walk in their door, the worst of the worst, but when they leave, they leave a champion, and with medals and belts and a different outlook on life.”