Prominent SA charity Puddle Jumpers claims to be target of vandalism and harassment by locals

A charity that works with children and families has claimed they’ve been the target of ‘ongoing harassment’ as Marion Council condemns vandalism in the community.

The City of Marion council have spoken out against the vandalism and harassment of an Adelaide charity operating in their area.

Volunteers from Puddle Jumpers have made allegations of being harassed by a small group of locals amid an eight year-long battle against vandalism.

Puddle Jumpers chief executive and founder Melanie Tate said the Glandore-based children’s charity had fallen victim to a series of attacks and threats over the past month. But problems had persisted for years.

Puddle Jumpers has experienced increased vandalism and harassment over the last month. Picture: Facebook

Over the last month Ms Tate said a small group of neighbours had made threats while company vehicles and property had been damaged.

Ms Tate said power and water lines had been switched off during business hours and padlocks to the company’s office super glued shut while employees were still inside.

“I’ve got elderly volunteers who have been in tears because they’re anxious about, you know, coming into their volunteering work, which is not okay,” she said.

A City of Marion spokesperson told The Advertiser that the council is aware of the alleged acts and does not approve.

“The City of Marion condemns any acts of vandalism or property damage happening in our community,” the spokesperson said.

CEO of Puddle Jumpers Melanie Tate. Picture: Supplied

Puddle Jumpers has experienced increased vandalism and harassment over the last month. Picture: Facebook

In the most recent incident, a Puddle Jumpers’ vehicle was vandalised while staff were busy packing for a Christmas party for 1000 kids.

Staff at Puddle Jumpers have also been exposed to verbal harassment, with volunteers screamed at and threatened with phrases such as “you better move your car or else”.

Puddle Jumpers condemned the acts via social media, saying volunteers and staff were “enduring ongoing harassment” for eight years, and the behaviour was “completely unacceptable.”

“For 8 years we’ve been here to support children and families who need it most,” the post read,

“We are not causing harm – we are here to help. We don’t deserve this.”

Following that Facebook post on Wednesday, Ms Tate said Puddle Jumpers had received a surge of support.

Ms Tate said police reports had been filed but bringing vandals to justice had proved difficult.

She said he hoped the vandals starting showing some “Christmas spirit”.

“It’s time for actually just being like a kind person and doing the right thing.”

“We’ve already put up with it for years.”

“We’re not going to stop helping people, no matter what you do.”

Originally published as Prominent SA charity Puddle Jumpers claims to be target of vandalism and harassment by locals