A CAFE owner in Leamington who helps the homeless has thanked the community after rallying to help her following a break-in.
Mashed Swede cafe in Russell Street was targeted by burglars who broke in using a crowbar before stealing the till and float, along with a safe which contained takings from the weekend.
The Eades family – who have run the cafe for the past seven years – were left devastated and did not know how they would pay for the repairs or even open after the break-in.
But offers of help began flooding in, with friends volunteering for shifts, a local carpenter repairing the door and most surprisingly to the family, donations of nearly £1,000 made on a fundraising page.
Owner Sophie Eades told the Observer: “I’m so humbled to see the community coming together to help us out, it’s been so nice to see.
“We’ve had loads of offers to help – friends coming in to volunteer for a shift and a brilliant carpenter has fixed and secured the shop front and door. Thanks to all this we were able to continue to trade as normal.”
And friend and colleague Kate Livingstone said the family are more than deserving of the community’s help.
Kate – who began the fundraising page – said: “Sophie, Tom, and the Eades family, and the rest of the staff always work very hard to ensure that good, hearty and wholesome food is served with a smile. They have even developed a ‘Pending Meals’ scheme for local homeless people to be able to have a hot meal.
“The team are truly lovely people and do not deserve this, and any contributions will be gratefully received.”
Search for Mashed Swedes on www.gofundme.com to donate or find out more.
