It was a Christmas miracle for Fortunate Comfort retailer house owners when residents of Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood stepped up after their retailer was robbed simply days earlier than Christmas Eve.
“Dangerous issues occur, however good issues occur too,” stated Polly Xue, who has owned the store at 244 Perth Ave. along with her husband Andy Xue for 15 years.
On safety footage obtained by International Information, two suspects could be seen breaking into the shop by means of the again entrance and making their approach to the money register.
Toronto police verify they responded to studies of a break-in on Dec. 21, 2024, simply after 12:50 a.m., the place property was broken and merchandise was stolen, nonetheless, no suspect data has been launched.
By the point Andy Xue was alerted of the alarm and obtained to the shop, the suspects had fled.
“We work so arduous, and so they took all of it, in a single minute,” Polly Xue stated.
The couple misplaced almost $9,000 price of cigarettes, as a big vacation supply had are available that morning. The worst half, Xue stated, is that they don’t have insurance coverage on the stolen merchandise.
However with that devastating incident got here a silver lining. When neighbours heard in regards to the theft, they didn’t hesitate to step up.
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Neighbours and common clients Daniel Wahlen and Trang Nguyen launched a GoFundMe on Christmas Eve.
“We felt horrible, as a result of we see Polly typically and converse very often along with her,” Wahlen stated. “Clearly we felt horrible, due to the timing, and when she informed me how a lot they took we felt worse.”
Wahlen and Nguyen stated they needed to discover a method to assist, and knew the group wouldn’t hesitate to step up.
Polly Xue, Fortunate Comfort retailer proprietor. January 2, 2025.
International Information
By Christmas, after only a day and a half, the GoFundMe had exceeded expectations and made almost $10,000, sufficient to make up for the misplaced income.
“It was the right method for the neighbourhood to showcase how a lot they imply to them,” Nguyen stated, including that the couple go to the shop nearly each different day.
Polly Xue was overwhelmed with pleasure whereas talking with International Information.
“The neighbours right here, they’re so good to us on a regular basis,” she stated, and whereas she stated she will not be stunned by her form group, this was extra they ever may have anticipated.
“I didn’t know so many individuals would arise for us,” Xue stated.
They embody loyal clients like Scott Hobson, who lives throughout the road stated his coronary heart sank when he heard about what occurred.
“I most likely come right here each two days, typically each different day,” Hobson stated. “It’s simply part of my routine.”
Nguyen stated that “native outlets are actually necessary to our neighbourhood.”
“They’re a part of what builds our group.”
Hobson stated it’s greater than a retailer, it’s a group staple.
“It performs a a lot bigger function than simply being a spot to generate profits,” Hobson stated. “And so I feel that’s why folks locally have such an important affinity and nice love for Polly and her household. We’re so linked to it.”
Xue stated she was “so moved, and grateful for all the folks right here.”
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