Columbus Market Fire: Vendor Relief

Hello, My name is Jennifer and my husband, Colin and I, are the previous owners of TYPO magazines Store #406 which was destroyed in the fire. We no longer own the store and have not for a years but still have a very deep connection with the families in the market and the businesses themselves. Knowing the kind of financial and emotional stress this must be causing those directly affected we want to do something to try and help. When our son was brain injured in an accident in October of 2012, our friends at the Farmers Market, got together and donated money to help us offset the cost of living and traveling back and forth from Mt. Holly to Cooper Trauma Center in Camden. They made a huge impact on our life, our sons life and helped us out when we needed them most. These are good, hard working people and now they need our help.

Here is the story and why we are asking you to help the store owners as well:

On Tuesday, November 18th around 2:00pm a fire broke out in Building 4 of the Columbus Farmers Market. A few of the employees were there that day setting up for what would have been a very busy holiday weekend. In fact, a weekend that all of the vendors bank on as being one of their best weeks out of the year. Someone noticed the fire after hearing the alarm sound and acted quickly. Building No. 4, which housed 10 shops, was destroyed, but it could have been far worse if not for the quick action on the fire doors and the efforts of roughly 150 firefighters who responded. They closed the firewalls to aid in an effort to save the rest of the market. As a result, Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.

The businesses had just  geared up for Christmas. They all just loaded up their inventory. This is extremely devastating for those that count on this time of year and their business being open. Unfortunately, the businesses were completely burned. Building 4 was completely destroyed. Everything these families have worked for their entire life was taken away in just 2 hours. These people live day to day, if the market isn't open, they don't make the money they need to support their families. 

There is no word yet on how the occupants of Building No. 4 will move forward. It was home to Terry's Corner Store, Not Just Bagels, Lionsgate Glove & Safety, Typo Magazines & Paperbacks, Kollector's Choice, Fay's Creations, Columbus Coin & Jewelry, Shoe Repair, BBQ Oriental Gourmet, Wicker Emporium. Whether or not they will be able to reopen and continue their lives will be out of their hands.

"From what the fire companies have told us, that the building we're located in was just entirely gone, so everything we have is gone," a business owner said.
"Busiest day of the year, so we don't know what we're going to do," Another business owner was heard saying.

We want to help and give them back what they need to keep going. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help the employees of these businesses to offset their lost wages while the insurance companies and the market itself decide what they will do with the charred remains. With winter comes expenses. Cost of living rises with heating bills. Holidays bring on the pressures of celebration.These folks, many with families, have no control over this situation and through no fault of their own are now dealing with this tragedy. We want to raise as much as we can and then divide the funds equally between each business that was completely devastated. 

We have the power to help. We know that our community, the market family, loyal customers and the unbelievable power of people coming together in a time of crisis  can turn a tragedy into a triumph. We are capable of turning this around!

Please help by donating. No donation is too small. Please Share share share! 

Thank you in advance,

Jennifer + Colin Ryan
The previous owners of TYPO magazines
Store #406 which was destroyed in the fire.

Our hearts go out to our family and friends that were hit by this fire.