Four containers of poorly stocked explosives at a nearby construction company blew up near my Mum's Pet Shop on 7th December 2023. It has ripped a trail of devastation throughout the industrial zone. It now looks "as if we went through a war" [Source: BBC News, President Wavel Ramkalawan] leaving my Mum's business and the family property in pieces.

Below are some pictures of her and the destruction we've suffered:

Much of the roof and ceilings have collapsed and we're having a difficult time sheltering what is left inside from the rain and elements...

#SupportSabrina: Help Bring her Pet Shop Back!

We understand that this tragedy has hit hundreds of people's homes and businesses. We are fortunate that no one in our family has lost their lives, nor have we lost our primary home. However, she has lost all of her source of income overnight as a result this explosion.

We are not claiming bankruptcy, but we are open to help: Aid from the Seychelles Government and associated disaster funds are NOT being prioritized to her situation. So any contributions would mean the world to help us restore her livelihood and a business that was contributing to the community for over 10 years...

Background

My Mother, Sabrina Lapolla Victor, is an admirably hardworking person and owner of Connection's Trading Pet Shop. Established in 2012, Connections Trading Pet Shop has a clear objective in mind: to put pet owners in the best position possible to take care of their pets.

It all began when our future pet shop owner - Sabrina got Shylock, an adorable Cocker Spaniel puppy. However, Shylock had skin problems and a sensitive stomach and Sabrina struggled to find the best products for him... So she thought "I'll find them myself!" She quickly noticed how his quality of life improved and how happy he became. Sabrina wanted to share this with other owners and their pets in Seychelles and so she opened Connections Trading Pet Shop. Thanks to him, hundreds of Seychelles pets have received the chance to receive the best and has brought countless of smiles to us and our clients ... until now...

Donate today to help bring back Mum's livelihood back! If we ever receive more than the target, any excess will go to local animal societies such as Seychelles Animal Welfare Society, Seychelles Pet Haven Society and Seychelles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Want to stay updated? Follow me on Instagram and TikTok where I will post updates alongside my usual content on my PhD research.

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List of major approx. repair costs:

• Cost of labour for putting up the roof - £14,000

• Material for roof - £8,400

• Wood for structure - £2000

• PVC for eaves - £250

• Gutters, downpipes etc - £400

• Total repair of bakery - £4,700

• Cost of all tarpaulins to protect from rain - £400

10% of the total repair costs is added to account for transaction fees and foreign exchange. Please note that Target Goal is likely to change as we experience further water damage and continue damage assessment and waiting for further quotes... (also we will account for any donations that were made outside of GoFundMe - we strive to be fair and transparent)

Awaiting:

• Quote for new security door

• quote for new security windows (4 glass panes and at least 1 frame)

• quote sliding door to main warehouse

• quote 4 sliding windows in 2 warehouses

• quote minor electrical works in new building