Struggling to stay afloat, a downtown Victoria independent children’s book store is looking for heroes.
To keep the doors of their beloved Tall Tales Books open after today (July 1), Saanich residents Drew and Kate Lorimer are hoping 250 people will register to become members of their Tall Tales Books Hero Society. Already 150 ‘heroes’ have joined.
“We’ve never been doing really well,” said Drew of the financial struggles he and his wife Kate have faced since opening their business almost two years ago. Faced with growing debt, the society has become the Lorimers’ last hope since they say they can’t afford to keep stocking their shelves.
For $10 a month, members help keep the store open and in return they can put the $10 towards a monthly book purchase, or accumulate it over time and spend it.
“We’re not saying people have to come in and sign over a paycheque,” said Drew, adding that people from the United Kingdom have enrolled, while others have registered, asking the Lorimers to give families in need the store credit.
From their landlord and suppliers to their customers and fellow business owners - who have donated prizes for use in the membership campaign - the Lorimers say they are touched by an outpouring out support.
“People have been so generous,” said Drew. “We can’t even keep up with saying thank you to people.”
The Lorimers hope their hero society is creative enough.
“Our heart is in this,” Kate said of wanting to keep their store open. “This is not about a bank account for us.”
To become a member of the Tall Tales Books Hero Society, payment and registration is accepted at talltalesbooks.ca, or call 250-590-3032. Tall Tales Books is located at 795 Fort St.
emccracken@vicnews.com