Residents in Vernon are rallying around a local business owner who has had to temporarily close shop due to an unforeseen tragedy.
Funds are being raised for Mehgan Bonneau, owner of Colour Time Ceramic Studio on 30th Avenue, whose husband and business partner Collin died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 29.
With Meghan now facing the prospect of running the business alone while suffering the loss of her husband, help is being generated. Serena Yatkowsky is a longtime customer of Colour Time, and on behalf of a group of supporters who are volunteering their time to help with the business, she launched a to help Meghan overcome a heart-wrenching challenge.
"Mehgan is understandably stricken with immense grief, and at this time needs to temporarily close the studio as she navigates the loss of her husband and grieves," the online fundraiser states, adding Mehgan and Collin were the only employees at the small business.
"Unfortunately needing to close will cause financial hardship for Mehgan and her business."
Friends have been pitching in, in an attempt to open the studio next week and keep the business going, but they fear their efforts won't be enough alone, and so they're appealing to the broader community.
"If you have ever been downtown near the studio or a customer, you will have most likely seen or talked to Collin. To Collin, everyone was a friend and would talk to anybody and everybody. Mehgan and Collin have always gone out of their way to be supporters of the community and would help anyone, no questions asked," reads the GoFundMe.
"Collin often would offer to drive home elderly or special needs customers so they wouldn’t have to walk if it was raining, snowing, too hot, too cold, it didn’t matter," the fundraiser continues. "They often hosted customers in their home for meals at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas who did not have anywhere else to go. They believed no one should be alone on holidays. They also have a clothing rack outside the studio in the winter with jackets, sweaters, gloves, and scarves for those who need some warmth."
The fundraiser was launched out of concern that the business could be lost, and with the goal of giving Mehgan time to grieve.
"No one should have to risk losing their business and livelihood to grieve their spouse. Any amount donated counts and is appreciated," the GoFundMe states.
As of Thursday afternoon, $2,175 has been raised. Those wanting to donate can do so .
