Seven trucks belonging Canada’s largest food rescue organization are out of commission after an unknown number of suspects broke into their Toronto truck yard, cut through the vehicles’ exhaust systems, and stole their catalytic converters over the Thanksgiving weekend, Second Harvest says. Located at 120 The East Mall, just north of The Queensway, in Etobicoke, the charitable organization says the incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday. “We are deeply disappointed and outraged that someone would target a charity working to feed people in need, especially over Thanksgiving weekend,” Second Harvest’s CEO Lori Nikkel said in a statement provided to CP24. “The damage means we now have to replace both the catalytic converters and the damaged exhaust components, leaving seven trucks out of service.” Second Harvest has shared security camera footage of the alleged incident with CP24, along with a photo showing the individuals who reportedly entered their truck yard. Toronto police confirm they’re aware of the incident and are looking into the matter. ‘Lifeline for our community’ Nikkel went on to say that the affected vehicles are a “lifeline for our community.” “(We deliver) rescued food directly to more than 300 non-profit organizations across Toronto, helping them feed people who are struggling to put food on the table,” she wrote. Second Harvest added that having seven of its trucks off the road means deliveries will be “directly impacted at a time when the need for food support is already overwhelming.” The charity, which works to fight hunger by redistributing surplus food to people in need across the country, says the cost of the repairs is estimated to be $80,000. “That is money that should be going toward rescuing good food and feeding people in our city, not repairing damage caused by theft. We’re asking Torontonians to rally around us,” Nikkel said. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Our team is doing everything we can to restore our fleet and keep food moving to the communities that depend on us.” Donations can be made online. Charity’s vehicles previously targeted This isn’t the first time that Second Harvest has been targeted by vandals. On New Year’s Day, four of its trucks, representing a quarter of its fleet, were significantly damaged. Video surveillance captured at that time appears to show an individual pouring water into the gas tanks of their trucks. That incident was also reported to police. READ MORE: 4 trucks belonging to Toronto food charity vandalized on New Year’s Day, police investigating Anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
