As somebody who comes from far East Asia, Newcastle and the North East has been such a welcoming place to us. Since we started our little pop-up store at Quayside market, we've been receiving great support and love from local people and local businesses.
We are now facing a new challenge due to given situation - coronavirus outbreak. The chancellor just released a package of temporary measures to support small business through this period of disruption, however, Kimchi Planet is not eligible for that due to the owner's visa condition*. As a result, we won't be receiving any public funds to get through this time, even though we pay our taxes, health surcharge and extra fees for visa process.
We're also facing a potential 12 weeks national self-isolation period, meanwhile our expenses (premise rent, bills, etc.) will remain. Kimchi Planet has some amazing, hardworking staff members, the last thing we would want to see is them struggle when we are closed.
To keep Kimchi Planet alive, we're setting up this campaign for you to purchase vouchers and event tickets for when everything are back to normal, to help us running in this difficult time.
We want to make your money worthwhile, instead of just asking for donation, we'll be selling food voucher, T-shirt (Finally! We have received so many messages asking that in the last couple of years!), and most excitingly, Kimchi Making Workshop for when everything are back to normal again as a post-coronavirus celebration surprise!
Rewards
Food Vouchers
Pre-purchase vouchers for when the current health crisis has been resolved!
T-Shirts
Kimchi Planet customer T-shirt in Black or White- With Kimchi Planet logo on the front, and Korean written:
meaning, "let's eat well, let's play well, let's live well"
Available in size M, L, XL
Measurements: (Chest width , Length, shoulder width)
Kimchi Jar x 450g
Kimchi made fresh served in 450g jar. All kimchi made in Kimchi Planet is vegan and gluten-free.
Kimchi Jar x 1kg
Kimchi made fresh served in 1kg jar. All kimchi made in Kimchi Planet is vegan and gluten-free.
Kimchi Making Workshop
When coronavirus is defeated, we will host Kimchi Making Workshop inside Kimchi Planet, where you will learn how to make Kimchi from scratch! Details for time and date will be confirmed via email.
In the meantime, Kimchi Planet will remain opened until we get further government guidance. All food served inside of Kimchi Planet will be served in takeaway boxes with single-use cutleries, while deliveroo and takeaway are still available.
We understand it's a very difficult situation for everyone right now. Let us stay positive and hopeful. Take good care of each other and stay healthy!
Please follow us on social media for more updates:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimchiplanet
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimchiplanet
Thank you very much for your support!
Helen and Kimchi Planet staff members x
* Helen is currently on Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, after 2 years on Tier 1 graduate entrepreneur visa supported by Northumbria University. Both visas are not eligible for public funds. And in this case, pay relief package, small business grant funding, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will not be of coverage for Kimchi Planet.
Read more on:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses