Two Red Deer businesses are asking for the public’s help through a GoFundMe campaign.
Together Tribe and Sunworks recently set up a fundraising account to raise $25,000 after sales were hit hard by the Omicron variant over Christmas and are now contending with the traditionally slow winter sales period for retail and restaurants.
In exchange, the owners promise to make contributions to the Red Deer and District Community Foundation to assist in other community needs in the future.
Paul Harris, co-owner of the two downtown businesses, said there were no other options.
“Hospitality and tourism and retail are some of the industries that have been hit the hardest, but have the least amount of support,” Harris said.
“The granting program was ill-constructed. We’ve looked at all of the programs and we don’t qualify for them.”
Sunworks and Tribe moved to new locations in 2019 and were expanding and restructuring when the pandemic hit in 2020. COVID-19 grants were based 2019 revenues, which were sparse as the businesses adapted to their new spaces.
“We were unique because we were growing at the time so our revenue comparisons didn’t work, and the grants are not based on expenses.”
Related:
4,300 small Alberta businesses still waiting for COVID-19 funding help, says NDP
The GoFundMe campaign Tribe & Sunworks needs your help details the businesses’ COVID struggles, and as of Tuesday, more than $11,000 had been raised so far.
Tribe opened in 2017, and Sunworks was located on Ross Street for 22 years prior to moving to Gaetz Avenue.
As a business owner, Harris said he has worked with the community for many years trying to make it a better place and money raised will help.
“It’s not going to completely fix everything, but it will get us through to spring and things will hopefully pick up and restrictions will be done, and we can start to return to normal — I hope.
“Thank you to the Red Deer community for being so supportive. We’ll get back on our feet and we’ll be able to give back again.”
Related:
GoFundMe campaign raises more than $4,800 to help Red Deer music venue
Prior to Tribe and Sunworks, the music venue The Vat organized a GoFundMe account in early 2020 after being temporarily shutdown by COVID.
Harris said it was a difficult decision to turn to online fundraising, but businesses that have built a loyal customer base should explore all options available to them during this unprecedented time.
“We’re all in this together. I think to ask for support, and to encourage the community to help where they can, is not a bad thing.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter