Yahoo News Special Devon cafe 'stunned' by response to plea
A much-loved Newton Abbot cafe is crowdfunding for survival - and managed to raise £4,000 on Sunday (June 7) night alone. No Limits, an inclusive community hub and cafe for different abilities in Newton Abbot, had set a Crowdfunder target of £30,000.
But a spike of donations over the weekend means they smashed their target, thanks also to Aviva fundmatching £1-for-£1 donations.
The town centre cafe works to break down barriers in the community, empowering adults of all ages, with a range of physical learning and communication needs, to gain employability skills and grow in confidence.
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The Crowdfunder said: "Nearly 50% of our wonderful team includes people with disabilities, proving that our cafe wouldn’t run smoothly without them! We subscribe to the social model of disability, which states that people are disabled by barriers and attitudes in society, not by their differences.
"We are a not-for-profit community interest company with all profits reinvested into our organisation to support the community. We are also converting to Charity status to further our charitable work."
Since June 2020, nearly 100 individuals have come through No Limits' work experience placements, helping them transition into paid employment or gain self-confidence and a sense of inclusion and value.
The Crowdfunder explains: "We are a central part of our community, providing a safe space for vulnerable and isolated people and combating loneliness. We engage with local people, offering opportunities in our inclusive, friendly cafe. Many now call us 'friends'. We also provide social hardship support, giving out 'pay it forward' meals and hot drinks to locals in need thanks to the generosity of our customers."
Now No Limits has extended its fund to £40,000, with a thoroughly grateful series of posts for supporters and customers.
No Limits said on Facebook: "You have helped us reach our initial crowdfunding target of £30,000.
"THANK YOU for believing in No Limits, the difference we make and the barriers our incredible team of people are helping to break down. We can now continue proving the positive impact diversity and different abilities makes to the workplace and society.
"We don’t have to stop here! Donations can be made until 10am 19th July and Aviva continue to match donations made!
"Thank you for your support we are so grateful and a little stunned right now!"
