A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Chinese American rapper China Mac and actor William Lex Ham to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City’s Chinatown, has surpassed its $10,000 goal.
About the campaign: The crowdfunding campaign aims to help businesses in the area by buying their products and sharing it with the community.
- “We are taking the initiative to save our stores, and put money back into the community,” the post said. “All proceeds will go towards buying goods from small businesses, and in turn inviting people from all communities to share a meal in show of unity and solidarity.”
- In addition to helping the businesses, Ham and Mac also announced they are giving away free food on Sunday in Chatham Square, Chinatown.
- The event will start at 3 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.
- “And while you’re there spend some money,” Ham said in an Instagram post. “Chinatown businesses have been hurting since January because of racist beliefs due to the coronavirus.”
Impact on businesses: Many businesses in New York’s Chinatown were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Businesses in the area have been suffering since February 2020 — even before the massive spike of COVID-19 cases in New York City.
- Small businesses in Chinatown reported 60-80% losses when the number of customers began declining in February, Business Insider reported.
- Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio visited Chinatown to announce the city “is open for business (and delicious).”
- However, de Blasio’s visit garnered criticism after he reportedly ignored the plea of bakery owner Patrick Mock.
- De Blasio’s office issued a statement saying they would help the Chinatown community to recover.
- “New Yorkers are never afraid to share their thoughts, and we’re grateful for his ideas and advocacy for his community,” the Mayor’s Office said in a statement, according to Spectrum News. “We know COVID-19 has hit small businesses hard, and we’re actively exploring more ways to help Chinatown recover.”
Featured Image via @nycfoodblog
