Habitat for Humanity grateful for donations after tool thefts

The head of Habitat for Humanity in Manitoba says he's humbled by the response he's received from the community after thousands of dollars in construction tools were stolen earlier this month.

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins says at least two corporate sponsors and the general public have donated tools and cash since details surfaced on Monday about the thefts, which targeted two Habitat construction sites in Winnipeg.

"It's just been spectacular. We're humbled and very grateful for the response and the generosity of this community. It's amazing," Hopkins told CBC News on Thursday afternoon.

The break-ins happened Aug. 10 at Habitat's Nairn Avenue construction site and Aug. 17 at its site on Riverton Avenue.

• Break-ins target Habitat for Humanity build sites in Winnipeg

In the first case, the suspects took 18 DeWalt cordless drills from one of two trailers they broke into.

In the second break-in, thieves cleared out a secured construction trailer and took generators, a Bosch mitre saw, Paslode nailers, a DeWalt reciprocating saw and various other items.

Hopkins said the value of the stolen items ranged between $5,000 and $6,000. The tools were used by volunteers to build houses for low-income families, he added.

"They are outraged,absolutely outraged," he said when asked about the response from the public.

"They are so mad that this happened that they're determined to do something to make it right."

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba has built homes for more than 275 Manitoba families since 1987, with the help of thousands of volunteers and partnerships with local businesses and faith groups.

Hopkins said peoplenear the Habitat construction sites are askedto call 911 if they see anything suspiciousafter workers and volunteers go home for the day.