7 Second Harvest trucks out of service after catalytic converters stolen from Etobicoke yard: CEO

Seven of Second Harvest's eight delivery trucks had their catalytic converters stolen over the weekend. We are at a loss of what to do. Catalytic converters are frequently targeted by theft because of the value of the metals they contain. Surveillance footage shows the suspects were in and out of the Second Harvest's Etobicoke truckyard in minutes. They're a food rescue charity, meaning they take surplus unused food to hundreds of non-profit kitchens in the city that then make meals for people in need. We don't have the money, we did not budget for it, and we're just really disappointed that this is happening to a charity on Thanksgiving, no less. With their trucks out of commission, Second Harvest had to scramble to rent a new fleet to make their Thanksgiving deliveries, which they say were impacted. At a time when people need food more than ever, and our food is perishable, healthy food, so it's really disappointing that they won't be able to have that kind of dairy, protein, and produce that they need right now. What Second Harvest says they need right now is financial support, estimating they're out about $80,000. And that's just to repair the trucks. That's not to get better security. That's not to add like those cages on the bottom of the exhaust so that people don't do this again. So I think we're looking at upwards of $100,000. Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford accompanied the CEO to make this call out. Please make a donation to Second Harvest today. Second Harvest has been broken into twice before, most recently in January. While they appeal to donors and sponsors to pitch in, Toronto police are investigating. Ali Chesson, CBC News, Toronto.