Electricity Bill
Donation protected
Hi everyone. Jody here. I never thought I'd ever see the day I had to resort to something like this for my own personal survival. As an independent, self-sufficient, grin and bear it, make it happen kind of person I very, very rarely reach out for help or assistance. I have this mindset that everyone has their own cross to bear in life and no one person’s troubles are the responsibility of another. Such a mindset works in principle and although thinking this way has strengthened me and enabled me to become a very strong and resilient person, in practise it has also left me broken, lost and in a place I am at risk of losing everything I have worked for all these years.
The 4C have great plans to take over the space that don't involve Eclectic Avenue as a partner so the longer I try to stay, the more debt I am going to incur in the meantime knowing this is not a long-term arrangement. It’s not a risk I can afford to take as a business, so settling as much of the debt as possible and attempting to move on whilst I still have the chance to try again is my best option. Hence, I recently announced my decision to leave.
With this in mind I have therefore had to put pride aside to hold my hands up and reach out for help. I simply cannot do this on my own.
I realise I am asking for help from people who have already supported me greatly throughout the six years I have been trading. Your continued custom, recommendations, prayers and genuine love have been the fuel source of my journey and I am beyond grateful. As of now I stand before you cap in hand with the hopes that this might not be the end of my dream - but the continuation of a vision. I am leaving the 4C to downsize to a smaller premises, one that has a flat monthly rate with utilities included. I am hoping to be able to continue service from this new venue but for that to even be possible I need the massive debt that is looming over my head to be somewhat settled in order to not take a huge monthly bill along with me.
I tried to apply for a grant from an external agency who offer help towards microbusiness utility bills however because neither the bill nor my portion of it is in mine or Eclectic Avenues name the application was rejected. I am left with a very real problem of having to find funds I don't have, as quickly as possible so that everyone involved can make the best of the situation at hand.
I am a very open book. I overshare, wear my heart on my sleeve and am transparent in all things (usually to my own detriment) however on this occasion my propensity for transparency will be put to good use as I am happy to forward any bills, statement of earnings or evidence of payments already made to anyone who wishes donate a substantial amount as proof of my struggle. During my time at the 4C I have consistently paid the same in electricity as I have received in wages, sometimes more, and I have no qualms against producing evidence of this if required.
Devastatingly our Facebook and Messenger was locked/blocked/hacked just yesterday - the absolute worst time possible considering the circumstances and I have no idea how to regain access to the engine behind my livelihood. I am worried that without those, this request may seem illegitimate or suspect so I would appreciate if you could share this plight on my behalf. I am asking for your prayers for my future and if you can pledge just even the smallest amount towards helping me climb out of this rut I assure you the next chapter of Eclectic Avenue will be the best one yet. Those of you who know me, love me and have witnessed me graft relentlessly over the years to deliver a safe, relaxing and welcoming space for everyone will be pleased to know I am down but not out.
I thank you greatly in advance for any ounce of help you are able to extend in my direction. Rest assured every penny raised here will go to the 4C in order to help settle the debt and in turn aid them in supporting the charitable operations they so graciously deliver.
We are troubled on every side yet not distressed. We are perplexed but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken. Cast down but not destroyed...
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish yet, the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4
Organizer
Eclectic Avenue
Organizer