D\u0101na Caf\u00e9 in Crookes has called on its community to support them in keeping their doors open whilst financially on the rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The caf\u00e9 originally opened in 2017 due to the support of the Buddhist community in Sheffield, in return the caf\u00e9 was named \u2018D\u0101na\u2019 which means \u2018generosity\u2019 in Sanskrit to honour the generosity of those who helped open it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amalasiddhi Silva, 32, the manager of the caf\u00e9, said: \u201cOur ethos is looking after people, they are the main priority. We are creating something here that we are both benefiting from, this is an opportunity to support a project who does things differently.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added: \u201cClosing feels so wrong because there is so much love in this place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In June 2022, D\u0101na reached a higher VAT threshold and had to start paying 20% of all their takings to HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This sudden additional expense every three months has depleted all of the caf\u00e9\u2019s reserves and threatened closure as Manager Amalasiddhi Silva was forced to take out a loan to cover the businesses costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Silva, 32, wrote on his crowdfunding campaign: \u201cAs far as we can see we have two options: we sell the business, pay our debts and move on; or we call for help from our community and push on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The legislation surrounding VAT on food means that Mr Silva often has to pay out 20% in his tax bill that he does not make back in profit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Silva called for more government support, criticising the systematic issue which closes a lot of small businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cWe are not getting enough government support, all we have is each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the caf\u00e9\u2019s Crowfunder, Ruby Chandler, a supporter, wrote: \u201cD\u0101na is a beautiful cafe and absolutely deserves a little push from the community to stay open with always amazing staff serving delicious food and drink in a lovely atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team at D\u0101na have launched several initiatives on social media to fundraise for the caf\u00e9 including cutting off their hair for donations and launching regular appeals which has raised them \u00a33,277 of its \u00a311,000 target so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Customers](\"https:\/\/shef-live.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Screenshot-2024-05-07-at-15.12.12.png\")
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