By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
The Southport community has once again come together to show support and solidarity with a local business which was looted and vandalised in the riots on Tuesday (30th July 2024).
The Windsor Road Mini Mart was targeted during the demonstrations which left dozens of homes and businesses with substantial damage.
However, kind-hearted people in our town have come together to raise funds for the popular family-run business to rebuild and fix the destruction.
Rose Tucker, who owns a salon on Sussex Road, set up a GoFundMe page to support the small business which is one of her neighbours.
She said: “I own a salon on Sussex Road and although, miraculously, the salon isn’t damaged.
“Our neighbours over at Windsor Mini Mart were targeted; broken into and looted, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage which is not covered by their insurance.
The Windsor Road Mini Mart in Southport was damaged by rioting but has sicne seen a huge fundraising campaign by local residents. Photo by Jamie Lopez Stand Up For Southport
“Rioters broke through their safety glass and have torn their shop apart. They run a small, family run business with two young children.
“We’re raising money to help get them back on their feet.
“The funds raised will be used to restore the shop and support the family whilst they’re unable to work. The family have asked that any remaining funds are donated to the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie Dot, who died in the Hart Street tragedy on Monday.”
With over 694 donations, £11,500 has been raised for the family already, smashing the target of £10,000.
People clean up after the riot in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Thanuja Balasuriya, who has been running the shop with her husband, Chanaka, for four years said they were ‘heartbroken’.
On a Facebook post, in the Stand Up For Southport group, promoting the fundraiser she said: “Today we have been surrounded by love and care from our Southport community.
“We are so grateful for all the kind messages, offers of support and donations.
“We are focused on rebuilding our business to serve our local community.
“Thank you from our family to yours.”
- You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding-windsor-mini-mart
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