Continuing to do whatever it takes to stop the destruction of Ferguson, Missouri businesses, an initiative known as #FergusonRebuild has launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help save many of the town’s shops after multiple riots, due to the jury’s decision to not indict police officer Darren Wilson after he fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown, caused fires and vandalism.
The campaign’s organizer wrote,”Secretary of State Jason Kander on December 11, 2014 announced that he partnered with the Regional Business Council and North County Incorporated to create #FergusonRebuild, an initiative that will provide non-governmental grants to businesses in Ferguson and the surrounding area in partnership with the Reinvest North County Fund.
“Small businesses located in Ferguson, Dellwood and Jennings that have been destroyed, damaged or burglarized since August 2014 will be able to apply for a grant to pay for business expenses including construction, rent, utilities, payroll and inventory. To receive a grant, a business must agree to rebuild in its current location or in its current city if it was destroyed, or remain in its current location if it sustained damage or was burglarized.”
Kander reported stated, “We have a lot of work to do in the region, but one of the first things we need to focus on is helping businesses that were damaged, destroyed or looted since August return to serving their community.”
The campaign then noted,”Any business that was damaged, destroyed or burglarized in the Ferguson area will be able to apply for a Reinvest North County grant, which was previously established by the Regional Business Council and North County Incorporated and will also be used for #FergusonRebuild. The existing Reinvest North County Fund Allocations Committee will determine how best to award grants to applicants.”
Sharing his thoughts about the project and the initiative, Kander added, “I am excited by the response I have received from the St. Louis business community already. Business leaders throughout the region and the state are committed to helping this community rebuild. There are thousands of people across the country who have been asking what they can do to help in the area, so I hope they pitch in too.”
While the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $8,700 within its first day, the project’s organizer revealed that offline contributions are up to $55,000, making almost 40% of its initial goal.
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