Pie Store With Special-Needs Staff Needs Your Help In Donations After Forced Relocation
Stand Pie Me is hoping to raise RM55,000 in sales by the end of September.
A social enterprise in Kuala Lumpur that employs adults with special needs is in need of donations after they have been forced to relocate due to increased rent
Sharing their conundrum on social media, Stand Pie Me hopes to raise RM55,000 to build a fully functional commercial kitchen at their new premises.
Stand Pie Me, also known as Persatuan STAND, is a social enterprise founded to employ young adults with special needs, creating a safe environment for them to develop their skills and talents so that they may seek further opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
Image via Persatuan STAND
Their chairman, Sarjit Singh, told SAYS they currently have 11 employees with special needs, who are all either slow learners or have autism
Under close guidance, they handle everything from preparing raw ingredients, rolling the dough, as well as cooking and packing the pies.
"We specialise in pie-making. These pastries are made in a sequence, so it is easier for them to follow and learn the techniques of pie-making since everything is measured accordingly," said Sarjit.
"We want to build their self-confidence, dignity, and recognition of their potential in contributing to society," he explained, adding that two of their former employees have actually left to work in commercial cafes.
Image via Persatuan STAND
After five years of operating at their original location at Taman OUG Parklane in Kuala Lumpur, Stand Pie Me said they have been recently forced to move out due to increased rent
The good news is: they have found an empty shop lot just a stone's throw away from their original location!
The new place grants them a larger kitchen area, space on the second floor for the employees to relax during their breaks, ample parking spots, and it is not far from their original location for the convenience of their staff and loyal customers.
However, to set up the new location, they will need to:
- Build up partitions to separate the kitchen, production, and packing area;
- Paint an epoxy coating for the kitchen floor;
- Install lighting and an air-cooling system;
- Set up proper flooring and furniture for the first floor; and
- Install various plumbing and electrical wiring.
"Our contractor has quoted RM70,000 [to renovate the place]. Unfortunately, we can cover only 20% from our reserves. We are short of RM55,000," the social enterprise appealed.
Image via @standpieme (Instagram)
They are hoping to raise the amount by 15 September so that they may start operations again by the end of the month
To raise funds, they are currently selling their Chicken and Mushroom Pies and Apple Crumble in sets priced at RM100, RM500, and RM1,000 each.
However, as of 19 August, they have only raised RM13,640.
"Again, we are so pie-seh to do this, but your support will help us abundantly. We thank you in advance for your generosity," they wrote in a plea last week.
Image via @standpieme (Instagram)
If you'd like to help Stand Pie Me, you can pre-order their fundraiser pie sets here.
Do note, however, that the orders will only be fulfilled from 3 October onwards.
Alternatively, you can also donate directly to:
Persatuan Stand
320 7683 617 (Public Bank)
For more information about Stand Pie Me, check out their Facebook page, Instagram account, or website.
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