Micropub raises £1,000 for charity after break-in

The owner of a micropub which had its charity collection jar stolen says support came "pouring in" from the local community to raise £1,000 in four weeks.

Vandals smashed the front window of The Wonky Donkey in Fletton, Peterborough, on 20 January, stealing the pub's community charity pot.

Landlord Dave Williams said he was heartbroken by what happened - but that customers and local people had immediately rallied around to help.

The money collected has been donated to Peterborough Lions, a charity which supports different causes in the city.

"The incident was devastating, both emotionally and financially," Mr Williams said.

"When something like this happens – it breaks your heart and you lose faith in what you do.

"But to see the support pouring in for us really proves the community spirit," he added.

"Everyone has rallied around and raised £1,000 within four weeks. Quite overwhelming really."

Since the break-in, the pub has held weekly quizzes, raffles and bus trips to other pubs around the country to raise money for the Peterborough Lions charity pot.

Mr Williams said he had been "totally overwhelmed by the generosity" from three other local micropubs - The Bumble inn, The Frothblowers and The Thirsty Giraffe - which donated funds following the theft.

In the six years since he started running the pub, Mr Williams estimates collections at the Wonky Donkey have raised about £40,000 for more than a dozen local charities and causes.

The next collection pot will go to 2nd Nene Scouts group for repairs to its building.

The Wonky Donkey was named Peterborough Camra City Pub of the Year in February.

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