As businesses continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, two Chestermere residents have organized a GoFundMe page aimed at supporting struggling local companies.
“We have been long-time community members,” said organizer Laurie Dunn. “We have watched the community grow and businesses come and go. With the third round of lockdowns, we knew we needed to do something.”
Dunn organized the fundraiser with Michelle Eldjarnson, who said seeing business owners put in so much extra effort to stay afloat made her realize they needed should have support from the community.
“There are still funds through the government, but it’s not enough,” she said. “A lot of them have bills to pay and they also don’t have the staff they need. Or, payments are deferred, which will come back and put them under.”
The GoFundMe page is open until June 25, with a goal of raising $50,000. According to the organizers, businesses can apply to receive a portion of the GoFundMe proceeds if they meet a number of eligibility requirements, posted on the fundraiser page.
Dunn previously owned a business called Gramma's Attic for 14 years locally, and said she can empathize with small business owners.
“We are trying to help, as I spent many nights crying over where the next dollar was coming from,” she said.
As of press time, the fundraiser had raised more than $14,500 through 101 donors. According to Dunn, two formal applications have come from local businesses to receive supports.
“We have had others where we are waiting for applications to come in, then there are people who don’t want to have to ask for help,” she said.
“People are proud – they want to remain anonymous,” Eldjarnson added.
While the fundraising goal is $50,000, Dunn said exceeding that total would more businesses can receive support. She admitted she thought donations would be higher than they are, but she is still hopeful more will come in the coming weeks.
“Chestermere is a really benevolent community,” she said. “They are generous. When someone is need, they come to help. I thought we would be further ahead, but people are starting to get behind this.”
Donations will be accepted until June 25. After the totals are calculated, organizers are planning to disburse the funds equally to the businesses that applied and are eligible.
“We are reaching out to people and businesses as well to let them know they can apply,” Dunn said. “Right now, it is just about getting this out there.”
For more information on donations or applying, visit the fundraiser page at gofundme.com by searching Chestermere Business Relief Fund.
“I am a big proponent of support local, shop local,” Eldjarnson said. “We want people to give where they live – that is just so important to us.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
