By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THE excitement of the Melbourne Easter Show was soured when donated money meant for sick kids was stolen from ‘Pete’ the piggy bank at the Cranbourne show grounds.
Children’s hospice charity, Very Special Kids (VSK), had giant Pete on show over the Easter long weekend to raise money for their annual piggy bank appeal.
VSK community fund-raising manager Addy Wetzler said the theft was “very disappointing”.
“This is the first time one of our giant piggy banks has been broken into and the theft was discovered by two VSK volunteers,” Mr Wetzler said.
Those volunteers were Jenn and Duarte Da Costa, whose daughter died at a VSK hospice in 2013, at just three years old.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Clark said a small amount of cash was taken from the iconic pig between 4.30pm on Saturday 26 March and 10.30am the following day.
“The pigs lock was forced open,” he said.
The heartless theft came at a time of grieving for the Duarte Da Costa family Mr Wetzler said.
“Easter weekend was the anniversary of their daughter’s death, and they are active volunteers and continue to be supported by Very Special Kids through our bereavement program.”
“The Narre Warren Police and the Melbourne Easter Show have been very supportive in trying to recover the money that was stolen, and we’re thankful for their efforts.”
The money donated to the piggy bank appeal is used to support children with life-threatening conditions and their families by providing free access to Victoria’s only children’s hospice and end-of-life care.
The piggy bank appeal aides VSK in raising $5 million annually to keep their hospice and support services open.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
