Loyal customers rally round to raise money for Sunderland vegan café after rising cost worries

Loyal customers have rallied round to raise money for a vegan café in Sunderland after worries over rising costs.

The Good Apple has grown in popularity with vegetarians and vegans alike after opening up in the city centre in 2013. But the family-run business has been struggling recently due to the cost of living crisis and having to fork out £10,000 for a new roof.

Due to the amount of outgoings, the business has been unable to fix minor jobs, such as a broken fridge and tiles. Because of this, the business recently lost its coveted five star hygiene rating.

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But after the business highlighted its struggles and set up a Gofundme page this week, customers have rallied round to raise more than £1,500 in the space of 24 hours. The Good Apple hopes to hit a target of £2,000 and every person who donates will be put into a prize draw at the end of January to win a vegan goody bag.

Donna Chan, 42, who owns The Good Apple, told Chronicle Live: "We had a really brilliant first day of people responding to the fundraiser. It looks like we've nearly hit our target already, which is amazing. We have fantastic, loyal customers who have become our friends over the years.

"Due to rising costs over the past year, we've had no money to do any repairs, it's quite tough on small businesses at the moment. All of our savings dwindled down to nothing. We've had fridges falling apart, broken tiles and a lack of cash flow."

The Derwent Street business also spent £10,000 on a new roof, which Donna says "wiped us out". She added: "We're just trying to do the little things that a small business needs to do to keep on top of things."

The Good Apple says it needs to make £250 a day to pay wages before any overheads and purchase of goods. Donna is also reluctant to increase prices. Posting a note on social media highlighting the fundraiser, Donna said: "Any savings we had for general upkeep of the café is now zilch. This is a major reason we have been given a four star hygiene rating this year. The place is falling apart and we can’t afford to maintain it!"

The note adds: "Basically, in order to give the café a much needed refurb I have set up a crowdfunder. It is possibly the worst time to be asking for money as Christmas is just around the corner and let’s be honest, there are so many other more worthy charitable causes out there needing our help. But if you think that this is something you can spare a few coffees for then please give what you can or share around to help a wee business in need."

Donations to The Good Apple Gofundme can be made here.