Toronto Bar Owner Shocked By Local Love After Customers Raise $25K In 3 Days (VIDEO)
After a loyal customer base stepped up, Toronto's Sweaty Betty's may just be saved after all.
Narcity spoke to owner May Brand on how, in just three days, a GoFundMe created for the bar fundraised over $25,000 to put towards expenses and bills accrued over the past year.
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The support has been incredible, really loving, and the generosity is just really overwhelming.
May Brand
Now, Brand is over halfway towards her goal of $50,000 and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I kind of blinked and next thing I know, [the fundraiser] kind of exploded," she told Narcity.
"And more than anything, the support that's just pouring in and the community has been unbelievable," she said.
Brand told Narcity she's spent "most mornings crying" because she can't believe the community outpour.
Brand was forced to accept financial support after she claims she received zero dollars of federal or provincial support for small businesses over the course of the pandemic.
"I just got to this point where I'm like, 'Okay, I've used up all my money and I still haven't received a penny from the government,'" Brand explained.
But luckily, Sweaty Betty's loyal customer base didn't let Brand down — and she wants to show her appreciation.
"I will make it up to everyone. I really will somehow — even if I have to individually give them all a shot," she laughed.
"Whether they drink or they don't, I will make it up to everyone one way or another."
If you would like to donate to Sweaty Betty's GoFundMe, it can be found here.