Vancity, Telus (TSX:T), The Fan Zoo and To the Point Tattoo have joined forces with the Vancouver Economic Development Commission (VEDC) to help some of the 55 businesses whose property was damaged in the June 15 Stanley Cup riot in downtown Vancouver.
The Vancouver Restoration Fund has been established to help those businesses whose insurance does not cover losses sustained during the riot or that are struggling to pay insurance premiums and other restoration costs.
The VEDC is assessing applications from the affected businesses and accepting donations from businesses that want to help.
Along with donors, the fund’s task force partners are the Vancouver Board of Trade, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, and the City of Vancouver.
The goal is to generate $150,000 to provide financial support to affected businesses and ensure they remain healthy and viable. Individual businesses can apply for up to $7,000.
Vancity and Telus have pledged $50,000 to the fund, while The Fan Zoo hope sales of its #DEARVANCOUVER I LOVE YOU T-shirts will generate the same amount. To the Point Tattoo is donating a percentage of its revenues to the fund.
Lee Malleau, CEO of the VEDC, said “This fund is about the true spirit of Vancouver. We are working with generous business leaders who have stepped forward to aid local businesses impacted during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“We welcome and encourage others to step forward and match contributions if they can help. One hundred per cent of the monies raised will help with the damages.”
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV