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Start-up fund for Dereje: reopening a barbershop after a fire in the building

Dereje lost clippers, chairs and mirrors to a fire in the building and needs $150 to reopen a barbershop and support the family.

🇪🇹 Ethiopia1,307 views
Dereje Getachew Haile
Email verified
Addis Ababa
For four years I have run a barbershop in Addis Ababa. In July, a fire in the building took clippers, chairs and mirrors. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Sunday, and I employed 1 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 8 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 $150 goes: • Shop repairs and licensing: $65 • Initial stock: supplies: $35 • Working capital for the first month: $50 I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to. - Dereje

Updates from Dereje

No updates yet. Supporters are notified when the owner posts one.

  • Fatima Samira Siddiqui 🇺🇸 · $50

    “From my family to yours. Thought of Dereje all day after reading this.”

  • Dhanalakshmi K. Natarajan 🇮🇳 · $67.50

Reviews

2.7(10 reviews)

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

  • Naveen S. Narayanan🇮🇳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.

  • Faruk Khatun🇧🇩Verified donor
    Trustworthy helper

    This experience has restored my faith in the goodness of people. The helper was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my outcome.

  • Lola Zainab Chukwu🇳🇬Verified donor
    Patient and understanding

    This is what community support looks like. They didn't just offer generic advice; they provided personalized help tailored to my specific situation.

  • Aurélie Nathalie Maillard🇫🇷Verified helper
    Exceeded expectations

    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.

  • Otávio Gustavo Rocha🇧🇷Verified helper
    Exceeded expectations

    Perfect example of someone making a real difference. They took time out of their busy schedule to help me and never made me feel like a burden.

  • Tammy M. Johnston🇨🇦Verified helper
    Practical and effective help

    This is what community support looks like. They didn't just offer generic advice; they provided personalized help tailored to my specific situation.

  • Umesh R. Modi🇮🇳Verified donor
    Made me feel heard

    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.

  • Rachel J. Chavez🇺🇸Verified helper
    Professional and kind

    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.

  • Caio Thiago Barbosa🇧🇷Verified helper
    Made a real difference

    Perfect example of someone making a real difference. They took time out of their busy schedule to help me and never made me feel like a burden.

  • Ana Heloísa Fernandes🇧🇷Verified helper
    Restored my faith in humanity

    The support I received was beyond what I expected. Not only did they help with the immediate need, but they also provided guidance for long-term solutions. I'm forever grateful.

Questions & comments

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  • Stay strong, Dereje. Small businesses are the heart of Addis Ababa. Hope you're open again soon. Love from Embakasi.

    • Is there anything that isn't money that would help Dereje?

      • This could happen to any of us. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Thinking of Addis Ababa

        • Best of luck, Dereje. This could happen to any of us. Thinking of Addis Ababa.

          • is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Dereje.

            • hang in there, Dereje. Shared this with my family. All the best!

              • Stay strong, Dereje. Gave what I could, wish it was more.

                • Good luck, Dereje. It takes guts to ask. Well done. All the best.

                  • Nathan René AubryPhoto verified

                    Good luck, Dereje. This could happen to any of us. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected

                    • Praying for you, Dereje. Shared it with a few friends. Blessings.

                      • Thinking of you, Dereje. Looking forward to the next update. Greetings from Columbus

                        • Thinking of you and your family, Dereje. I'd happily buy from you once you're back up.

                          • Sivan BarPhoto verified

                            Hope things get better soon, Dereje. Shared this with my family. I'm in farming myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. All the best.

                            • Small businesses are the heart of Addis Ababa. Hope you're open again soon. My neighbor in Rajkot donated after I showed her your page

                              • wishing you the best, Dereje. Hope the shop reopens soon.

                                • Good luck. Hope you make a strong comeback. Take care.

                                  • I'd happily buy from you once you're back up. Greetings from Kediri!

                                    • Hendrik L. NaidooPhoto verified

                                      hope you get there. Thinking of Addis Ababa.

                                      • Wishing you peace, Dereje. It takes guts to ask. Well done. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected. Greetings from Spokane.

                                        • Rooting for you, Dereje. Hope you get there. Greetings from Bangkok

                                          • Thinking of you. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. I'll check back for the next update. Love from Savannah.

                                            • Liliana A. OrtizID verifiedPhoto verified

                                              Hope it all works out, Dereje. This could happen to any of us.

                                              • Thanks for sharing this, Dereje. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Greetings from Cox's Bazar

                                                • Thinking of you. Your post was clear and honest. Read this on the bus and kept thinking about it all day. Thinking of Addis Ababa

                                                  • Looking forward to the next update. We lost years of savings to something like this so I get it. Greetings from Nagpur.

                                                    • Thinking of you. This could happen to any of us. My daughter saw me on my phone and now she wants to give her pocket money. God bless

                                                      $117.50 raised of $150

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