Milton Keynes charity says more than 8,000 children enjoyed its summer programme despite vehicle and equipment theft
A Milton Keynes charity says more than 8,000 children enjoyed its summer holiday sessions this year despite the theft of its van and equipment last month.
The Milton Keynes Play Association (MKPA) was forced to postpone two scheduled play sessions after thieves broke into its base on Kiln Farm late on Tuesday August 18.
A spokesperson for the charity told the Citizen how the criminals had ‘cleaned us out of play equipment’, after breaking into a van within a locked compound and driving it away.
It was later found abandoned in a field completely empty and stripped of all sellable parts, while all equipment that had been stored inside was taken.
The charity later rearranged the postponed sessions and said that this year it recorded a total of 8,264 bookings across its holiday play programme.
MKPA said that children were able to enjoy a huge range of activities including rolling around in zorb balls, arts and crafts, messy play, sports and climbing activities, during the sessions which were funded by parish, town and community councils.
Among the feedback the association received came from a parent Cailey who said: “I just wanted to say how amazing the staff were at Rickley yesterday.
“It was extremely hot but they still put on a great afternoon for all the kids."
Meanwhile a representative from Whitehouse Community Council said: “I popped along today at Milton Keynes Play Association's play session at Lady Margery's Gorse.
“It was great to see so many children having fun.
“There was a bouncy castle, climbing over a van, axe throwing, a climbing wall, den building and supervised woodwork."
MKPA set up a GoFundMe page to help with the setback of the thefts, which raised more than £2,000.
An MKPA spokesperson told the Citizen: “While the theft was devastating and came during one of our busiest periods, it also highlighted the dedication of our staff and playworkers, who responded with professionalism, creativity and determination.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us throughout this difficult period.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming and has helped us through this challenging time.”
MKPA was launched in 1971 to provide play opportunities for children and has now evolved into a charity which provides play equipment for hire, a scrap store, a craft shop and training for teachers, carers and parents.