A charity founded by a grieving mother faces challenges after being robbed twice in just six months, impacting its vital support services.
Croydon: A mother named Jennifer McDermott started a charity to help domestic abuse victims after her daughter, Cassandra, was tragically murdered. Recently, her charity, The Cassandra Centre, has been hit hard by thieves, getting robbed twice in just six months. Jennifer feels completely violated by these incidents.
Cassandra was only 19 when her partner, Mario Celaire, took her life in 2001. After a long legal battle, Celaire was eventually convicted under new laws. Fast forward to today, and Jennifer is still fighting for victims of domestic violence through her charity.
The Cassandra Centre, based in Norbury, has been a lifeline for many, but now it’s struggling. Jennifer shared that the charity van was targeted, with the spare wheel stolen. While it might not seem like a big deal, it costs them around £300 to replace it, which is a lot for a charity that’s already tight on funds.
She mentioned how the van is crucial for their work, helping with lunch clubs for the elderly and supporting children with special needs. It’s got big signs showing what they do, so it’s disheartening when people take advantage of that.
After the first theft, she reported it to the police, but she didn’t bother with the second one, thinking it wasn’t serious enough. It’s tough for her because they work so hard to support women in need, and these thefts just add to the stress.
The Cassandra Centre has been around since 2007, providing counseling and support for those affected by abuse. Jennifer started it because she saw a gap in services for young women facing domestic violence. They help women find safety and a new life away from their abusers.
If anyone wants to help out, they can donate or learn more about the charity by visiting their website. Every little bit helps in keeping this important work going.
