Crowdfunding for Molenbeek store damaged by football hooligans

A successful crowdfunding initiative raised €6,371 for a DIY store in Brussels that was vandalised by Club Brugge football supporters during the violence surrounding the Belgian Cup final.

Non-profit organisation Capital created the fundraiser with a target of €5,000, Bruzz reports, and any amount over the goal will be put towards initiatives involving young people in Molenbeek.

Brico Ben in Molenbeek has been unable to reopen after the damage to the store and the assault of its owner and his 22-year-old son.

“The owner was beaten up and is still in shock,” Capital’s Hassan Al Hilou said.

“His insurer is now asking him to provide proof of purchase for all the stolen or broken items, but he’s not in a state to look for those documents. He is traumatised. We’re trying to buy him a few weeks’ time so that he can rest.”

Al Hilou said the fundraiser was launched at the request of the shop owner’s son, Illias, who has been actively involved in Brussels’ cultural and social circles and was moved by the strong show of support for his family.

“We didn't expect it to happen so quickly,” Illias told Bruzz.

“We’re very happy with the support we have received. It means a lot to us. Physically, we're OK, but emotionally it's still difficult to comprehend what happened, even if we don't always show it… But we're persevering, and fortunately we can also count on support from the neighbourhood.”

While several restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood also had their windows smashed, Al Hilou said the damage elsewhere would be largely covered by insurance.

“At Brico Ben, the problem is that the manager doesn't have the time or space to deal with the paperwork right now,” he said.

“He's left traumatised in a broken shop, but he's self-employed: the longer he stays closed, the more money he loses.”

Capital has organised a number of fundraisers for various causes, including other instances where a Brussels resident was the victim of violence and in need of assistance. Earlier this year, Capital raised over €20,000 to replace a resident’s car after it was set on fire on New Year’s Eve.

When it comes to the funds leftover from the Brico Ben campaign, young people or organisations that have ideas for specific activities are invited to contact Capital.