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Back to business - Varun's comeback in Jaipur

Varun has run a street-food cart for four years; a fire in the building destroyed the equipment, and $500 will put it back on its feet.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Jaipur, Rajasthan, India756 views
Varun P. Shukla
Email verifiedPhoto verified
Jaipur
For four years I have run a street-food cart in Jaipur. In October, a fire in the building took a gas stove and two refrigerators. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Thursday, and I employed 2 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 6 weeks. This business pays my children's school fees and rent. I have already started working from home in small ways, but I can't meet orders without proper equipment. Every contribution brings me closer to reopening, and I promise to post photos as I buy each item. Once I'm back on my feet I plan to hire back the people I had to let go. Where the $500 goes: โ€ข Replacing a gas stove and two refrigerators: $310 โ€ข Initial stock: ingredients: $70 โ€ข Shop repairs and licensing: $70 โ€ข Working capital for the first month: $50 If you can't give, please share this page. It does reach people.
#small-business#livelihood#restart

Updates from Varun

  1. Quick update: $520 raised so far (104%). I met with the supplier and confirmed the amounts. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

  2. We're at 31% thanks to 3 of you. the first invoice got paid this week. More news soon. - Varun

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Riaan R. Pillay ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ยท $15
  • Guadalupe J. Villalobos ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $50
  • Tarฤฑk Onur Arslan ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ยท $30
  • Ye-eun Kyung-mi Noh ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $10
  • Stefan Braun ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ยท $22

    โ€œPraying for you. From Wiesbaden with love.โ€

  • Mateo A. Russell ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $225

    โ€œWish I could do more. Thought of Varun all day after reading this. - Buffaloโ€

  • Hani Kirana Tanoto ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ยท $37
  • Abosede Sade Okafor ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ ยท $30
  • Mรณnica E. Tapia ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ยท $75

    โ€œWish I could do more. Thought of Varun all day after reading this.โ€

  • James Kamau Kariuki ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฌ ยท $53

    โ€œRooting for you. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Mukonoโ€

  • Ezekiel Smith ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $50

    โ€œHope this helps. Thought of Varun all day after reading this.โ€

  • Aaliyah Cox ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ยท $50

Reviews

3.8(6 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Hira Sana Mirza๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐVerified donor
    Outstanding person

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Clara Taylor๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งVerified helper
    Made a real difference

    The help I received was exactly what was described and more. This person follows through on their commitments and genuinely cares about making a positive impact.

  • Araceli T. Castillo๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝVerified helper
    Genuine person with a big heart

    Couldn't have asked for better support. They listened carefully, understood my situation deeply, and provided thoughtful advice that actually worked. Thank you so much.

  • Gbenga Yinka Gbadamosi๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌVerified donor
    Very responsive and caring

    I had a complex problem and this person helped me navigate it step by step. Their expertise combined with their kindness made all the difference.

  • Kariuki Hamisi Kessy๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ชVerified helper
    Made me feel heard

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Kamrul Shuvo Islam๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉVerified donor
    Changed my perspective

    I was going through a tough time and this person's support was invaluable. They didn't judge, just helped. That kind of genuine compassion is rare these days.

Questions & comments

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  • Diego Joaquim BarrosQuestion

    is there anything that isn't money that would help Varun?

    • Varun P. ShuklaOwnerAnswerPhoto verified

      Thank you. If you're in Jaipur I'll say if something practical comes up. For now sharing this is great. Thanks for looking so closely.

  • Vivian Lawal

    Good luck. I hope things turn around soon. Wish I lived closer to Machakos so I could bring a meal

    • Sevgi Zeynep IลŸฤฑk

      Sending good thoughts, Varun. Your post was clear and honest. Thinking of Jaipur.

      • Angela H. McDonald

        Hope things get better soon, Varun. Shared this with my family. I'm in teaching myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you

        • Nonso Michael Kalu

          hang in there, Varun. Gave what I could, wish it was more. Greetings from Cleveland.

          • Ximena S. Butler

            Hope it all works out. Gave what I could, wish it was more. We lost years of savings to something like this so I get it. Thinking of Jaipur.

            $647 raised of $500

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