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Help Charles restart a street-food cart in Brandon after a fire in the building

Charles has run a street-food cart for six years; a fire in the building destroyed the equipment, and $2,950 will put it back on its feet.

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Charles Gilbert
Email verified
Brandon
For six years I have run a street-food cart in Brandon. In June, 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 Friday, and I employed 1 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 $2,950 goes: • Working capital for the first month: $640 • Initial stock: ingredients: $710 • Replacing a gas stove and two refrigerators: $1,600 I hope life is good to you. - Charles

Updates from Charles

  1. Good news. Because of your gifts ($300 in total) I met with the supplier and confirmed the amounts. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely.

  2. Update from Brandon: we've started the first stage. We're at 6% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

  3. Small update. $95 so far, the plan for initial stock: ingredients is now scheduled.

  • Jéssica Gabriela Dantas 🇧🇷 · $100
  • Krishna Jat 🇮🇳 · $10

    “Thought of Charles all day after reading this. - Madurai”

  • Víctor S. Ramírez 🇪🇸 · $71
  • Oonagh B. Johnston 🇮🇪 · $10

    “Take care of yourselves. I'm in Dublin, thinking of you. - Dublin”

  • Colm W. Griffin 🇮🇪 · $50
  • Ethan N. Cruz 🇬🇧 · $40
  • Hamisi Wekesa Kiprop 🇰🇪 · $25
  • Pallavi N. Bhavsar 🇮🇳 · $25
  • Gustavo Vargas 🇺🇸 · $50
  • Rachel E. Barrett 🇺🇸 · $30

    “Good luck. Shared with friends too. - Pittsburgh”

  • Yasir Zeeshan Lodhi 🇵🇰 · $25
  • Teguh Hadi Wijaya 🇮🇩 · $5
  • Mazen Ali Zaki 🇪🇬 · $10
  • Anonymous 🇮🇳 · $5
  • Tesfaye Getu 🇪🇹 · $5
  • Sebastian Vasquez 🇺🇸 · $10
  • Clément Vincent 🇫🇷 · $15
  • Megan A. Adams 🇿🇦 · $10
  • Sônia Bruna Ramos 🇧🇷 · $50
  • Antônio Dias 🇧🇷 · $25

    “Hope things get better. Been where you are, it gets better. - Rio de Janeiro”

Reviews

3.0(5 reviews)

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

  • Andrzej Igor Stępień🇵🇱Verified helper
    Great help in a difficult time

    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.

  • Julián A. Ochoa🇲🇽Verified donor
    Professional and kind

    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.

  • Eleni Fotini Kyriakou🇬🇷Verified donor
    Made a real difference

    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.

  • Venkatesh W. Ramachandran🇮🇳Verified donor
    Very responsive and caring

    The difference this person made in my life cannot be overstated. They were patient, kind, and persistent in helping me find solutions. Truly exceptional.

  • Thomas Frank Wolff🇩🇪Verified helper
    Reliable and compassionate

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

Questions & comments

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  • Jack L. GriffinPhoto verified

    Sending strength, Charles. Gave what I could, wish it was more.

    • Can I help in a way that isn't money? I'm near Brandon!

      • Charles GilbertOwnerAnswer

        Thank you. If you're in Brandon I'll say if something practical comes up. For now sharing this is great. Thanks for asking.

    • Rooting for you. Hope you get there. We're a small family in București but we're thinking of you

      • Hope it all works out, Charles. It takes guts to ask. Well done

        • good luck, Charles. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Don't give up. Greetings from Bogotá

          • Sending love, Charles. It takes guts to ask. Well done. The breakdown of costs made it easy to trust. Blessings

            $581 raised of $2,950

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