THE theft of a Chicago Bulls bomber jacket from a Rosebud opportunity shop has led to a heart-warming and generous act of kindness from a stranger as well as some rewarding publicity.
Volunteers at the Boneo Lions op shop in Ninth Avenue were horrified when a shopper stole the donated jacket right from under their noses last Saturday (29 July), managing to grab it and leave the store before anybody noticed.
Volunteer Sonya McCormack said they were just as shocked when a customer came in last week and, on hearing about the jacket, donated $100.
“We just wanted to say a big thank you to the gentleman, it has restored our faith in people,” she said.
“It was such a kind and generous act. In fact, the entire community has been so wonderful and generous, and we want to acknowledge that support.”
Another turn of good fortune happened when the theft made it on radio station 3AW’s rumour file, winning the op shop a $100 voucher from Chemist Warehouse.
McCormack said they were hoping Chemist Warehouse would change the voucher to cash for the till.
A few days after the theft, the op shop thought it was going to get their jacket back when police found a Chicago Bulls jacket while questioning suspects about an unrelated issue.
Sadly, the jacket was not the one stolen from the op shop, which was on sale at the op shop for $150 but is valued on the private market at much more. The search continues.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 August 2023
