Happy days are here again for a community group left devastated by the theft of vital funds.
A local businessman has stepped forward to replace the £2,000 stolen from Gallatown Gala Community Group in Kirkcaldy, a week after volunteers discovered the break-in.
Jim Simpson said his generous act was prompted by the shock of an attempted break-in to his own home, along with the fact the money taken had been earmarked for children’s outings.
He handed over a cheque for the full amount to the group at the Happy Days Community Hub in St Clair Street on Wednesday, to the delight of the workers.
“I had two people trying to kick my door in two or three weeks ago,” said Mr Simpson, who ran Glenrothes-based home rental firm G&S Properties and still has a caravan storage business in Kirkcaldy.
“If they had got in they probably would have wrecked the place so when I saw this story in the paper I knew how they must be feeling and decided to put my money to good use.
“I’m getting old and I thought I might as well give some to charity to help the children.”
Volunteer Anne-Marie McMeekin said the community was over the moon to receive the money.
“It’s so good to know there are still some decent people in the world,” she said.
“It was me who discovered the break-in and my reaction was instant fear but I was also really annoyed because we do a lot for the community.
“If someone had needed something they just had to ask and we would have helped them.”
As well as running youth and children’s organisations, the group give out food bags to the needy and operate a community lunch where people can get a hot meal for £2.50.
“All of that takes money,” said Anne-Marie.
“My new year’s resolution was to always try to find the good in the bad.
“This was bad but we were supported and we all united and then when Jim came in I thought I was dreaming.”
She added: “There are people who are troubled and have issues but everybody is good in their own wee way.”
