Help Fay keep her business open; Simply Irie

Hi, my name is Joanna and I am fundraising for Fay Bruney. Fay is the owner of a popular restaurant in Calgary, Alberta Simply Irie; that specializes in Caribbean fusion. Not only has her restaurant been hit hard due to the pandemic, but on June 9, 2021 she has been faced with a series of crimes that she feels  were racially motivated.

In order to stay open during the pandemic, the owners built a patio, investing nearly $20,000. “It was sink or swim,” Bruney said.  But someone has come back repeatedly to steal umbrellas and chairs, on separate occasions, over the course of a month. Owner Fay Bruney said the morning of June 9 was the first theft. She said the thief even cut through chains to snag the items that were locked up. It happened again on two more separate days, the last being July 2. “They had also taken four chairs that are not easy to take,” Bruney said. “He took everything he could get his hands on; it was sickening to watch the footage of him. I have not even paid for the patio yet and now I’m watching it get picked over, not once or twice, but three times,” said Bruney. “The gentleman was so comfortable, he walked up and he knew what he was doing. It was 5:02 in the morning. It was like he was entitled to it.” Bruney said no other restaurant patios in the area were targeted and she feels there’s a possibility this may have been racially motivated. 

Fay has been left emotionally traumatized and fears what's  next. “There is a sense we were being targeted and why?” We need to come together as a community and help keep her business open! She is such a fighter and has been through so much this past year let's show her some well deserved love! This restaurant is a great place that is cherished by so many and Fay works so hard.  Please help in keeping Fay's restaurant open and more secure! The funds will be used for extra security for her restaurant and to help alleviate the heavy bills that have been piling up since Covid has financially hurt her business. It will also show that Fay is loved and how we can all come together and support a black woman who works so hard for her family and that racism will not stop our love! We have lost so many businesses so far; let's not lose anymore!!! 

We are asking that you donate what you would have spent at a restaurant. It may be $15 if you would have eaten alone, $50 for you and a guest. It may be $250 if you decided to have a party and cater to your friends and family! Everything counts!! Let's spread the love and unite! Whatever you can donate will help and I can't wait to surprise Fay with this fundraiser. I know from her very own daughter that she will be in tears and unbelief! Racism remains a massive problem in our society and victims require all levels of support and elevation. Your contribution can assist Fay and her family when they need it the most.

Thank you kindly.