Help Willem&Jools Survive Repeated Vandalism

My small flower shop on Roncesvalles Ave is the target of escalating acts of violent vandalism that are attempting to put me out of business. The latest attack, on July 4 at 3 a.m., saw a masked man smash both full glass windows of my storefront at the corner of Galley and Roncesvalles. This happened just four days after the installation of new glass after the last act of window-smashing. Video surveillance indicates it may be the same person behind these attacks as well as incidents of painting over my entire storefront. These targeted, escalating attacks make me afraid for my safety and the safety of my staff in this woman-owned, women-run business.

I have discovered that since the latest attack, dozens and dozens of people on Facebook Groups have been suggesting that a Go Fund Me should be started. I have never asked for charity in my whole life and I am deeply touched by this spontaneous show of community. I love this community.

I am asking for help in two ways: (1) Identifying this criminal. (2) Supporting this business as we close for safety reasons. My staff (four talented, loyal women) want to rebuild and come back stronger and safer. I am a single mother who has lived in Roncesvalles and raised my children here for decades. The last decade I have poured all my heart and soul and savings into Willem & Jools.

As a result of these escalating attacks we must board up the storefront, wait months for new specialty glass, and build in more security in physical and electronic forms. Unfortunately, this will involve closing the store until sometime in September as I cannot ask my staff to work in a boarded-up space with no visibility to the street which is a safety concern. As well, there will be no daylight for my beautiful inventory of flowers and plants to survive.

Why Go- Fund-Me?

1) As a responsible employer, I need to pay my staff during the period of the forced closure.

2) My monthly business expenses also include store rent, utilities, telephone, insurance, website and overall maintenance.

3) Additional costs to this targeted attack include: loss of business revenue and additional costs not provided by insurance such as new physical and electronic security and new ongoing costs including hiring an investigator to track down the criminal(s) targeting me.

I have weathered the targeted vandalism up until this point and it is not easy for me to ask for help. However, the spontaneous show of community support has encouraged me to take this step.

Thank you for your support. Any amount is appreciated. We love our neighbourhood and are grateful for all the kindness.

Our Story

Willem and Jools opened May 2015. As a florist with over 12 year’s experience, my dream was to open up my flower shop in my beloved neighbourhood of Roncesvalles. The previous tenants, lovely Mr. And Mrs. Lee, ran a flower and produce shop for 32 years in this space. They were kind enough to offer me the space when they were ready to retire. I waited, patiently, for 6 years for the space to become available as it was of utmost importance to me to be in my own neighbourhood.

We gutted and renovated the whole store (renovations were done by my eldest son and his friends and the design was aided by my friend Lisa-also a resident of Roncesvalles. The results were a well-designed, warm and inviting space. I was overwhelmed with the support of my neighbourhood and was ecstatic by the positive feedback and growth.

This community and people across Toronto have been loyal customers of Willem and Jools. Additionally, our online customer base has grown all across Canada, the US, Europe and even as far as Africa. We are deeply grateful. We will build back stronger, with your help!