‘We need your help to survive’: Shop in Northampton town centre launches fundraiser after 'devastating' racist attacks
A shop in Northampton town centre has launched a fundraiser after it was badly damaged in a series of “devastating” racially motivated attacks.
Jun He, owner of Ji the Chicken Shop – a bubble tea and fried chicken shop in Mercers Row – has launched a GoFundMe to rebuild his shop.
On his GoFundMe page, Jun said: “For the past four years, it has been my greatest joy to serve you – to craft refreshing drinks, prepare delicious meals, and create a warm, welcoming space for everyone.
"This shop is more than just a business; it is a dream built from hard work, a place meant to foster connection and joy in our neighbourhood.
“However, this year, our small family-run business has faced a devastating series of racially targeted incidents. In July alone, our shop was broken into and vandalised three times. Each burglary left us with stolen property, damaged doors and locks, and a growing sense of insecurity.
“One of our dedicated employees was physically and verbally assaulted by racist individuals outside our shop, an experience that left them traumatised and our entire team shaken."
The situation recently escalated this month where the “unthinkable” happened early in the morning of December 9.
Jun said: “Our shop’s large front window was completely shattered by a hate crime offender, an act police have investigated as racially motivated. Standing there, surrounded by this new wave of destruction, we felt a deep and weary devastation. This was not an isolated event. It was the cruel culmination of months of targeted harassment, theft, and violence.
“The physical damage from this latest attack is severe. The window must be replaced immediately for safety and to operate. But after surviving the burglaries and supporting our assaulted employee, we simply have no resources left. The cumulative cost of repairs, security upgrades, lost inventory, and lost business has become a mountain we cannot climb alone."
Jun is now calling on the community for support to help rebuild his shop. He said: “We are reaching out to you in our most vulnerable moment. We need your help to survive. Please, help us rebuild not just our window, but our hope. Help us turn this story from one of repeated victimisation into one of incredible community solidarity.”
Jun He’s GoFundMe campaign has so far raised £250 from 15 donations toward a target of £400.
Click here to donate.
Since the attacks, police have arrested and jailed a man responsible for a spate of racially motivated incidents across Northampton. Raheem Bourne, aged 30, of Edith Street, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on December 13 and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay £12,000 in compensation.
The charges relate to nine counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, targeting businesses including Ji the Chicken Shop, Matchbox Café, Shanhai House, Ginza, and several others between 9 and 10 December. The attacks caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.