'Struggling' Assynt Mountain Rescue Team hit by mean theft as donations box broken into
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A DONATIONS box set up in aid of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team has been broken into and the contents stolen.
Thieves made away with the cash left by donors in a box located on top of a pole at Inchnadamph car park.
Assynt Mountain Rescue team leader Tim Hamlet said the theft had been discovered last week and police had been informed.
It is thought that the box would have contained a considerable sum with an influx of visitors making donations during the Easter break.
“So sad to say our collecting box at the Inchnadamph car park has been broken into and all our generous donations stolen,” said Mr Hamlet.
“We rely on the generosity of the public to fund our volunteer team. We couldn’t save lives without you.
“This year we are already struggling as we have lost some areas of funding, and costs are going sky high.”
Mr Hamlet reminded anyone keen to make a donation that the team has a JustGiving page which can be found at: www.assyntmountainrescue.co.uk/support-us.”
He added that the charity was arranging for the donations box to be repaired and a new lock installed, but was also looking into “other options”.
The mean theft has sparked outrage on social media with people posting their disgust at the “despicable” act.
Many have made donations in the hope of reimbursing the funds lost.
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team provides search and rescue services across Caithness and Sutherland.
The team is made up of 30 volunteers, and it costs £2900 to kit out each team member,
