Helping your local small business in times of disaster

Helping your local small business in times of disaster ensures that it can survive the hard times and continue being a staple of the community. Operating a small business brings a lot of challenges. Some challenges are expected. Yet some are completely unexpected. If a small business like a cafe, independent grocer, or bakery is struck by a sudden difficult circumstance it can be hard to recover financially, and emotionally. 

Individuals across Australia and New Zealand are easing the financial and emotional burden for small business owners. Creating a mycause fundraising page, people are able to bring their favourite local shop back up and running. Here are two of our favourite fundraisers helping local small businesses recover after a disaster.

Local Burger Restaurant Saved By Residents

A local burger joint in Victoria was desperate when their shopfront burned down. The Famished Wolf was a go to for Patterson Lakes residents. Owners and the community were gutted when the restuarant's insurance cover fell grossly short of their needs. The small business set up a mycause fundraising page and appealed to the community for support. 

"Our hope is that if the many can support us a little we can support all our hard working staff to remain employed and to eventually have everyone back in a better version of our beloved Patterson Lakes burger bar some day," they wrote.

The Famished Wolf had always prided itself on giving back to their community. The restaurant often supported many local sporting clubs, charities, kindergartens and schools. When the community was provided a way to financially help the business in return, they jumped at it.

The Bonbeach YCW Junior Cricket Club sent a message with their donation, saying: "All the best to you guys at Famished Wolf. We really appreciate all the support you’ve shown us over the years and hope you get back on your feet ASAP."

Police believe the fire was deliberately lit. After two years of lockdowns, this was particularly hard to hear. The emotional support and love the community showed in their messages were heartwarming. They banded together to raise over $6,500 and lift the spirits of the shop owners and workers.

Residents wrote: "We look forward to enjoying your great food again when you re-open" and "Anything to get the Wolf up and producing delicious burgers once again… soon!" 

Local resident, Lyndel Sheppard, appealed with the fact the local business was important for keeping locals employed. "Please support this wonderful business that has employed my kidlet since they opened back in 2018," she wrote.

Simon McNeilly, owner of The Famished Wolf franchise, thanked everyone for their donations and promised to get back to giving the community their burgers and support. "...we thank you from the bottom of hearts and pledge to give everything back and more in donations to the community when we are back up and running."

Your Local Cafe Needs You After Theft

Kingsland local community in Auckland, New Zealand have come together to show their support of a beloved local cafe struck by disaster. The Harlan Pepper Food Co has recently been robbed for the third time in 18 months. "As covid has ravaged the hospitality community, it's almost like its a kick us while were down scenario," wrote James Gibson on their mycause fundraising page.

The small business asked the community for help "to alleviate the pressure of these hard times". Devastated cafe owner, Hemi Gibson, told Stuff magazine they were "crying out for help". He said an estimated $1800 worth of damage was caused just in the most recent robbery alone and the business was struggling.

“We had money from the till stolen, and bottles of alcohol. We had the windows broken. We’re holding on by a thread and things aren’t bright," he said. 

The cafe then shared their online fundraiser with their hundreds of Facebook followers, announcing: "This is the 3rd time we've been hit and it's already been hard enough as it is with covid. If you can spare a dime or 2 would be greatly appreciated."

More than financial assistance, the community of Kingsland responded with messages of support and encouragement. Locals wrote: "You guys are awesome, hang in there!!" ; "We have really enjoyed yr food & excellent welcoming service,keep smiling"; and, "You’re the hub of this community and long may that be the case. Arohanui e hoa [much love my friend]."

Harlan Pepper Food Co opened in Kingsland five years ago. It quickly became a successful small eatery and event space. Then came the pandemic and the first two roberries in 2020 and 2021. 

“Covid-19 has completely ravaged our takings and the cafe is dead all the time now. Everyone's hours have been cut. We've also cut our operating hours down."

The thefts are placing further strain on the struggling business. The first two robberies were recovered from well due to previous success, but they put the cafe in a precarious position. This third robbery is a disaster. The local eatery is now facing potential closure.

“The rent is already stifling us at the moment, food costs are going up, wages are pretty high, another burglary would set us over the edge,” said Gibson.

It feels bigger now that I have nothing, and still have to pay for the cost in damages. It's like the final nail in the coffin.”

Local small businesses help to make a community and bring people together. When disaster strikes, the whole community is shaken. Pitching in financially and showing moral support makes an enormous diference, not only to the small business owners but, to the entire neighbourhood.