Over $11,000 raised in 24 hours for injured owner of KitCoffee in downtown Peterborough

A crowdfunding campaign in support of Helen McCarthy, owner of KitCoffee Peterborough in downtown Peterborough, has raised more than $11,000 in 24 hours.

Last Wednesday (July 15), McCarthy severely broke both her ankles after an accident on a friend’s dock, requiring emergency surgery on both ankles.

“Helen is a beloved member of the Peterborough community and a loving mother to her beautiful three-year-old daughter Maggie who will be under the care of her co-parents during this difficult time,” writes Emily Amon, who organized the crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe. “This tragic incident comes after a previous emergency medical leave where Helen suffered a broken left leg in January.”

The surgery will require McCarthy to use a wheelchair until October, meaning she will have significant challenges running her business at 144 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, which she opened last July.

“Helen is a strong, independent and positive force in this community, always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need,” Amon writes. “Her cafe is a community hub, supporting local farmers, producers and makers with diverse retail offerings from many other small businesses.”

“Helen has used her place of privilege as a downtown business owner to support both BLM and the Nogojiiwaanong Friendship Centre in recent months through personal campaigns. This community advocacy reflects a deep commitment to uplifting folks in need.”

The crowdfunding campaign is raising funds to help keep KitCoffee open while McCarthy cannot work, by paying employee wages, as well as help to pay for a wheelchair-accessible washroom and other necessary mobility adaptations at McCarthy’s home.

Funds may also be used for any unexpected physical therapy and home health care support costs.

The initial goal of the crowdfunding campaign of $10,000 was met and exceeded in less than 24 hours. As of the date of this story, $11,435 had been raised for McCarthy.

As for McCarthy herself, she writes on social media that she is “floored” by the support shown by the community.

To support McCarthy and KitCoffee, donate at gofundme.com/f/tphact-help-for-helen.