Cheeba Cheeba in Chesterfield Road, Sheffield, is at risk of being shut down permanently if it cannot raise £50,000 in three months to buy the building they are situated in.
Customers said it has been a ‘pillar of the community’ for five years. The shop offers support to those recovering from injury, suffering with terminal illness and overall focuses on being a welcoming and accepting café to all.
It has overwhelmingly positive reviews on social media, being described as a ‘place of love’ and ‘the calmest place in Sheffield’. One visitor said ‘I haven’t been in a café so welcoming.’
Cheeba Cheeba owner, Ricky Chu, said: “We are not asking for a handout, we are asking for a lifeline to keep this space alive.”
He has pledged to repay everyone who donates to help save the cafe – either through money, CBD or coffee.
A frequent user of the café said: “He is always welcoming and genuinely a really nice guy.
“I sit in the café for hours and people come and go, and I see how he is with everyone. I’ve never met someone as humble and kind as this guy.”
Alongside donations to the GoFundMe, the shop is also selling prints in store, and is even auctioning a black fender acoustic guitar to secure its future. The GoFundMe is currently at 9% of its final target goal.
Ricky said on social media: “The love and generosity from this community has been overwhelming- every single donation, share and kind word has kept our hope alive.
“But we are not there yet. If Cheeba cheeba has ever meant anything to you, please consider donating and sharing.”
The Go Fund Me can be found below:
