Children in tears at nursery after vandalism stunned by £4,100 donated to Arundel Court school in Portsmouth
CHILDREN fundraising for their vandalised nursery have said youngsters were in tears after yobs struck.
Staff and children from Arundel Court Primary Academy, speaking at a fundraiser held at Tesco, said they were shocked and saddened after £20,000 of damage was caused in a break-in at the nursery.
Vandals damaged electrical equipment and toys after spraying the nursery with paint and setting off fire extinguishers.
Year 5 pupil, Daniella Uzoumaka, nine, said: ‘I just think it’s really sad and everyone was upset.
‘I saw children who were crying. The children go to the nursery to learn and play and I can’t believe someone would do this.’
Bow-Anne Shanahan, 10, added: ‘I think it’s terrible that everything has been destroyed.
‘I went to the nursery when I was little and if I was there now I would definitely have cried.’
Pupils were at Tesco superstore, in Crasswell Street, packing shoppers’ bags and collecting money in buckets while store staff made a donation and wore colourful clothes.
Shoppers gave generously and spoke of their dismay at the ‘mindless act of destruction’.
Sivar Hagi, 35, whose daughter Lara, four, attends the nursery, said: ‘Lara has been really sad and has missed her friends.’
Kirsty Gibbins, 30, added: ‘My son went to the nursery. It’s such a valuable part of the community and I feel gutted this has happened.
‘I just wanted to show my support by making a donation.’
While still traumatised by the ordeal, staff from the school have been overwhelmed by the response with more than £4,100 donated. This included £500 from one person.
Teaching assistant and event organiser, Jacqueline Lancaster, said: ‘Parents, staff and children were all in tears as the school doesn’t have the money to replace all these items.
‘The one positive is this has really shown how the community can come together – the response has been amazing.’
Store manager Scott Moonan donated £160 of Tesco’s vouchers to the cause.
‘I’m really shocked by what has happened to the nursery and it has affected a lot of people in our local community,’ he said.
‘We really wanted to show our support by inviting the children along and hopefully the vouchers can help to replace some of the toys and stationary resources.’
After the incident a 14-year-old boy from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of two burglaries.
Anyone who would like to donate money can do so by going to http://www.gofundme.com/f/vandalised-arundel-court-nursery