Oregon Tradeswomen Suffers Significant Loss Following Break-In
UPDATE – 10/31/2024 @ 5:00 pm
We are pleased to share an uplifting update on the situation. Thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from our community, Oregon Tradeswomen has everything we need to run our Winter Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class next week.
The generosity we’ve received has been nothing short of inspiring. From donations, to offers of equipment, each contribution has played a crucial role in helping us bounce back from this theft. Our staff, alongside our industry partners, have been working diligently to ensure that our newest cohort of students will have everything they need to embark on their journeys in the skilled trades.
We thank every person who shared our story and reached out to help, your efforts have paid off and we couldn’t be more grateful.
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Over the weekend, Oregon Tradeswomen’s training facility suffered a break-in which resulted in the significant theft of tools and gear that are mission critical to deliver our BOLI-certified pre-apprenticeship program. The ramifications of this theft are considerable as the estimated cost to replace all of the stolen equipment is roughly $20,000. With the Winter Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC) ready to start training next week, the timing of this incident couldn’t be worse.
Training Manager Zoe Stansbury expressed how detrimental this theft is for the organization, stating, “This incident is a major setback for us. The tools and gear stolen are crucial to our pre-apprenticeship program, and with class set to start so soon, managing the impact of this theft has been immensely challenging.”
Despite this devastating loss, staff is working tirelessly with our industry partners to ensure the impact on the TACC program is at a minimum. Our Training Team has diligently identified the losses and put together a preliminary list of the most important tools and gear that are absolutely necessary to serve our newest cohort as they eagerly embark on their journeys into the skilled trades.
How the Community Can Help
Oregon Tradeswomen is reaching out for community support to help replace the stolen items and ensure the Winter TACC program can proceed without significant interruption. They have compiled a wish list of critical items that are essential for the program’s success.
You can help by:
- Purchasing Items: Check out Oregon Tradeswomen’s Home Depot Wishlist here to see what tools and gear are urgently needed.
- Making Financial Donations: If you prefer to contribute financially, you can make a donation through our website at oregontradeswomen.org/donate. Every dollar counts in helping to replace the stolen goods.
Donna Hammond, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Interim Executive Director, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Though this break-in is a painful reality, we are deeply grateful for the resilience and generosity of our community. Together, we can rebuild and continue providing life-changing training and support to women across Oregon.”
While the theft has posed a significant challenge, the spirit of community and solidarity that Oregon Tradeswomen has fostered over the years shines bright. Your support, whether through purchasing items from the wishlist or making a financial donation, can make a tremendous difference. Let’s come together to ensure that women and gender minorities continue to have the tools they need to succeed in the construction trades. Together, we can overcome this hurdle and keep building a brighter future.