Despite pleas made through the newspaper and social media, the Nelson Baseball sign that was stolen from Champion Green on Thursday, November 15, was neither found nor returned.
Although further information came to light about the vehicles and the people involved in the theft, the lack of registration plate details resulted in no further action taken.
But the publicity did have a positive response with Phil from Designart Signs in Richmond, who made the original sign, making contact with the club and offering to reprint the 2.4metre sign at no charge.
“The Nelson Heat Baseball Club committee is so appreciative of his generosity. It is heart-warming to know that something so good and kind came out of this, and that at the end of the day communities do support each other and stick together,” says club president Tom Kroos.
“They’re a sports group, so they need all the help they can get. We’re pretty happy to help out,” says Phil.
The club says they’ve been inundated with messages of support from their baseball players and their families, the general public, other volunteer organisations and their sponsors who support their programmes and value the work they do in the community.