Sportsworld Liverpool appeal for information after fundraising money stolen

A junior cricket team has been left devastated after a money tin containing funds for their upcoming tournament in Melbourne was stolen. WATCH THE CCTV FOOTAGE.

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A junior cricket team has been left devastated after a money tin containing funds for their upcoming tournament in Melbourne was stolen.

Sportsworld Liverpool operators Meillisa Swain and Terry Small coach and manage the NSW under-13 indoor cricket team, and had been collecting donations to go towards the group’s airfares, accommodation, food and bus hire for their tournament in July.

Ms Swain described the moment she discovered the tin was missing as “heartbreaking”.

“I started crying as soon I realised,” she said.

The money tin was stolen from Sportsworld Liverpool about 1pm on Tuesday, April 16.

Ms Swain estimates it contained close to $600, which would have been distributed evenly among the 11 team players to help fund their competition costs.

She said a major raffle was also planned for June to raise additional funds.

The business is now appealing for information, releasing CCTV footage which shows the money tin being taken from the counter about 1pm on Tuesday, April 16.

“It just makes my heart flutter every time someone mentions it. It’s still very raw for me,” Ms Swain said.

“I put my trust in people and we’ve ever had anything stolen here.

“How do you sleep at night when you take from businesses that work very hard?

“We’re a family here and people donate, even the boys that come down from soccer and cricket, they just donate — whether it’s fifty cents, one dollar or two dollars.”

Ms Swain said the money tin was brought out during peak business hours and customers often donated their loose change.

Anyone with information should contact Liverpool police on 9765 9499 and quote report number E71403931.