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A youth club has been left devastated after vandals destroyed its minibus just days before it was due to be put into action for local young people.
Deanby Youth Club in North Belfast said its grounds were broken into on Sunday, with the vehicle’s windows and wing mirrors smashed in the attack.
The club said it was ‘absolutely devastated’ after seeing a project that had taken months of fundraising, saving and hard work damaged.
‘We have worked incredibly hard to get this minibus back on the road. Through fundraising, saving every penny we could, and putting in countless hours of work, we had almost reached our goal. We were just one repaired indicator away from having it ready for use,’ the youth club said.
The minibus was set to play a vital role in helping the organisation provide activities, trips and experiences for young people in the local area.
Deanby Youth Club said transport costs take up a significant portion of already limited funding, and having its own vehicle would have helped reduce financial pressure while allowing more opportunities for local young people.
‘Like many youth clubs will understand, transport takes up a huge portion of our already limited summer funding. Getting our own minibus back on the road would have allowed us to take our young people on trips, activities, and experiences without placing even more pressure on our budget,’ the club said.
‘This isn’t just damage to a vehicle, it is damage to opportunities for the young people in our community,’ Deanby Youth Club said.
The club has reported the incident to the PSNI, who are dealing with the matter. It has appealed to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who may have information to come forward.
Despite the setback, organisers said they will continue working to support young people in the Oldpark and surrounding areas.
‘Despite this setback, we will continue to do everything we can for our young people. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support, it means more than you know,’ the club said.
‘Our hope is that whoever is responsible reflects on the impact of their actions, not just on property, but on the opportunities they have taken away from local young people. Together, we can continue to support the young people of the Oldpark and surrounding areas who deserve better,’ it said.
