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Help So-yeon restart a small grocery stall in Incheon after a break-in

So-yeon has run a small grocery stall for twelve years; a break-in destroyed the equipment, and $1,850 will put it back on its feet.

🇰🇷 Incheon, South Korea1,967 views
So-yeon Hong
Email verifiedAddress verified
Incheon
For twelve years I have run a small grocery stall in Incheon. In June, a break-in took a cold-storage unit. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Saturday, and I employed 3 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 12 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. I'll buy equipment from local suppliers and post photos and receipts as I go. Where the $1,850 goes: • Replacing a cold-storage unit: $820 • Initial stock: fresh produce: $310 • Shop repairs and licensing: $440 • Working capital for the first month: $280 Thanks for being kind about this.

Updates from So-yeon

  1. Good news. Because of your gifts ($830 in total) we've started the first stage. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely.

  2. 28% there. we've booked the dates and paid the deposit. Thank you.

  3. Small update. $265 so far, I made the first payment toward replacing a cold-storage unit.

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  • How is So-yeon doing now?

    • Sending good thoughts. Hope you get there. My neighbor in Bangkok donated after I showed her your page. Blessings.

      • You're not alone. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Sent it to 9 people at work. Greetings from Shinjuku.

        • Hope the shop reopens soon. My colleague had a similar thing happen so this one hit home

          • Maya SchwartzPhoto verified

            Hang in there, So-yeon. Small businesses are the heart of Incheon. Hope you're open again soon. Our whole street has been following this since the weekend.

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

              • So-yeon HongOwnerAnswerAddress verified

                Sharing the link is the biggest thing. And if you know anything about replacing a cold-storage unit, advice is welcome too. Good question.

            • Take care, So-yeon. I hope things turn around soon. Greetings from Sacramento.

              • Abigail G. PerryVerified organization

                Thinking of you. Small businesses are the heart of Incheon. Hope you're open again soon.

                • Is replacing a cold-storage unit the biggest cost or is there more coming?

                  • So-yeon HongOwnerAnswerAddress verified

                    Sure. The biggest one is replacing a cold-storage unit, $820. The rest is in the list at the bottom of the post and I'll upload receipts as I pay each one. Appreciate you taking the time.

                • keep going, So-yeon. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. All the best.

                  • Santiago R. HaynesPhoto verified

                    Wishing you the best. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. It's not much but it's yours. Greetings from Guarulhos!

                    • gave what I could, wish it was more. God bless

                      • Wishing you peace, So-yeon. Hope you make a strong comeback. Put this on a community board in Warren this morning. Love from Warren.

                        • thinking of you and your family. Your post was clear and honest.

                          • thanks for sharing this, So-yeon. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did.

                            $1,926 raised of $1,850

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