21 Co Headingley: Leeds cafe providing employment for people with Down’s syndrome is saved from closure
A cafe in Leeds that provides employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome has been saved from closure.
21 Co, in Headingley, is run by charity Sunshine and Smiles, which has supported families affected by the condition for the last decade.
But it was reported earlier this year that the charity was facing a £30,000 deficit - and urgently needed to raise funds in order to balance the books.
In an update shared by the team this week, staff said they were “blown away” by the response to their fundraiser, which is still accepting donations. They announced that they would be able to make it to the end of the financial year without having made a loss.
The charity’s five-star rated cafe on Otley Road has won accolades while providing paid employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome, which has in turn boosted their independence.
Sunshine and Smiles currently offers its services to 180 families in the city.
In an update shared on Instagram, the team said: “We have been so completely blown away by the love and support from so many people, which has meant that we have reached our crowdfunding target of £30,000!!
“We want to thank everyone who has shared, donated, emailed, messaged or set up their own fundraiser; it’s just absolutely phenomenal!!!
“This means we will end our financial year having not made any loss in income versus expenditure, and we couldn’t have done this without every single one of you - thank you!!!”