Lúnasa Cáife, a worker co-operative in Belfast, has provided a space in the city to support and host many emerging artists, cultural events and campaigns. But three years’ hard work disappeared in July when a fire ignited in the kitchen area of the cafe.
“Our caifé was built with love, on a foundation of solidarity and mutual aid – this ethos has remained; we have played host to many progressive causes from feminism, environmentalism and combating homelessness,” says the collective.
“The King/Castle Street area of Belfast is filled with many brilliant and strong characters, and shops that have stood the test of time. We believe in the importance of strong communities and felt it was imperative for us to buy locally and give back to the community we are fortunate enough to be a part of.”
Lúnasa serves freshly cooked meals on a daily basis, and also offers private bookings and catering services. The co-operative is named after Lughnasadh, a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, which is associated with change and rejuvenation.
On Tuesday 26 July a fire, which started in the kitchen and destroyed almost all of the appliances, fixtures and fittings in the kitchen and prep area. “All workers and customers were evacuated immediately and thankfully no one was hurt,” said the co-op, adding that the Fire Service did a “fantastic job” of containing and extinguishing the fire. However, the extensive damage will mean that the cáife will be closed for some time.
“We have been overwhelmed with the level of support we have received so far, we would like to thank all our supporters, donators, helpers, suggestors and well-wishers,” said the co-op.
Lúnasa is now asking for “help and solidarity in forthcoming weeks and months”. They will be organising a range of fundraising activities and have set up a crowdfunding campaign, which is running until 23 September.
“We want to keep this funding drive as open and transparent as possible,” added the co-op. “At the end of the funding campaign we will publish all of the money received, a breakdown of the repair costs, and any other incomings and outgoings related to the repair and refurbishment.”
- To find out more about the crowdfunding campaign, click here. You can also get in touch with the co-op directly at [email protected].
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