
Emergency Financial Aid for Ape & Frog
Donation protected
Updates: The espresso machine was repaired and ran (somewhat) successfully for a few months before burning out, but a new machine will be installed soon. Our vehicle ran again for a while too! But then the alternator belt snapped, the water pump died, and the locks stopped working... The vehicle (along with us) were also damaged in an assault in a parking lot recently, but there is legal action being pursued for this case.
Summary: We were recently the targets of a hate-motivated vehicle collision/hit-and-run, and we are required to pay a large sum for shared damages with a third vehicle involved. On top of hateful vandalism to our cafe, numerous expensive repairs, worsening illness, and more, we could really use the help to get back on our feet.
Ape & Frog is a PoC, autistic, trans-owned small business that produces and sells handmade, recycled items. These include sensory-focused collectibles such as plushies and figurines, plant-based-carbon ink prints, stickers, and postcards, 100% recycled cotton apparel, and more. We focus our income toward conservation work, including the conservation of human-lives. We have raised a fair bit of money for Palestinian families in Toronto, delivering grocery cards and cash directly, and operate out of a Palestinian and Black-owned cafe, with all-indigenous staff and an all-female-identifying and non-binary vendor roster.
We desperately require some financial relief to continue doing what we do. Not only was our cafe recently vandalized ($4000 storefront glass replacement, $12000+ commercial espresso machine replacement, rear window broken, water damage to half of the store (including stock) due to the steam from the damaged espresso machine, damage to the ceiling and floors), but our personal vehicle was just the target of a hit-and-run incident.
We require our vehicle to do the work that we do, and although it is in operable condition, the driver of a lifted black pick-up truck rammed us into another vehicle. Because we were not able to see the license plate of the truck that hit us, we have to cover the costs of all damages. The driver of the damaged vehicle requires $2500, which includes the cost of a rental for her to use while her vehicle gets repaired. Additionally, we require about $1500 for repairs, involving our non-functional trunk door, damaged door panels, and an issue with the engine mounts.
We were both stationary at a red light when we heard someone honking and calling us slurs behind us. I rolled down my window to look at the driver this was coming from, and that's when he rammed our vehicle. I had my foot on the brake, since I was at a complete stop, but with the truck being much heavier and stronger, we were pushed into the stationary vehicle in front of us. The truck driver immediately fled the scene. We were forced into the position of involving the police, going to the local division and spending 3 hours there. They were of absolutely no help. There is a report filed, but they admitted that nothing will be done about it. "That's not something we do here."
We are not in a good place, to be honest, and although we started our little business out-of-pocket and planned to keep it that way, we could really use some help. We have big things planned, full of opportunities for fellow creators and artists, and we want to get back on track with these plans. Our intention has always been to help others, whether it's through our comforting products or through charity and community work, and we're afraid that we're not able to do that without taking care of these massive, unexpected expenses as soon as possible. It has also become increasingly difficult to work as much as we do, especially due to chronic illness (recently, K (ape) experienced a lengthy period of illness from silicosis, and Lucas (frog) had a procedure that has had detrimental complications).
We recognize that much of our clients and customers are marginalized, so please keep in mind that we wish for you to be comfortable before committing to financially helping us. We are also open to getting help through pre-orders of our products; you can reach us on instagram @apeandfrog. Sharing this wherever possible will certainly be a great help as it is, so please do so if you're able.
We're so thankful for your support, and very much appreciate you taking the time to read this.
- K (Ape of Ape & Frog)
Cost breakdown:
Vehicle repairs (including third vehicle involved) - $4000
Cafe storefront window - $4000 for 10ft glass pane
Cafe replacement espresso machine - Already purchased
Cafe floor and ceiling damages from steam explosion - $1000-2000
Product losses - $500-800



Organizer

K Vatish
Organizer
Scarborough, ON