Our special needs classroom was robbed :(

My daughter, Chloe, is in the Life Skills program at Gladstone Secondary in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a high-school classroom for children like her, who have autism or other special needs. Many of these children use technology like iPads and computers to help them communicate and overcome challenges they face in the classroom. 

On February 21st, 2020 her classroom was broken into. The thieves took all of the educational aids, as well as computers, iPads, some winter coats, and money the class  had raised together through recycling and other activities. 

Over the last few weeks we have learned that insurance will not cover the loss of these items, and we are now looking to replace them. This is an already high financial burden at a time when many of us are facing job losses, or reduced hours, and other expenses that parents such as us face. (As well, these parents are now home, taking care of their children without the proper tools to facilitate communication.)

We are reaching-out to ask for your assistance in replacing the stolen items - and helping our children feel safe and supported in their classroom again as it reopens.

Below is an itemized list of what was stolen:

MacBookAir: $1,299.00

Macbook Air power cord: $95.00

$100.00 in petty cash (raised by the kids)

2 dongles: $85.00 = $170.00

iPad Mini (SETBC) students communication N/A:  

3 classroom iPad Minis:  $529.00 X 3 = $1,587.00

4 iPad Mini power cords: $25.00 X 4 = $100.00

Brother computer cable: $21.00

2 Microsoft Surface Pros:  $629.00 X 2 =$1,258.00

2 Microsoft Surface Pro power cords: $39.00 x 2 = $78.00

HDMI cord:  $20.00

20 x $10 Gift Cards (used as rewards for classroom participation): $200.00

3 USB sticks:  $37.00

2 adult transit passes: $10.00 x 2 = $20.00

2 student transit passes: $10.00 x 2 = $20.00

Computer charging bar: $55.00

5 winter coats: $250.00

4 pairs of shoes: $160.00


Please note that any funds raised will be delivered to the Life Skills program manager who will distribute them based on need. (Feel free to donate what you can. No amount is too small and every dollar will help.) Any additional funds raised will go towards much needed-classroom resources.

And thank you, very much, in advance.