‘Hope you fail’ letter backfires as charity turns negative into a positive

The owner of a charity shop who received a “hope you fail” letter from “neighbourhood watch” says the outpouring of support they have received for the local community has “turned a negative into a positive”.

The angry handwritten letter , which arrived through the letterbox of Kreate on Hutcliffe Wood Road in Sheffield by second class Royal Mail delivery, said the sender did not “encourage charity shops” and hoped the “shutters would soon close” for good.

It went on to say: “A lot of businesses needed by communities have failed and I hope yours does too. Another grey painted trendy tak. Soon to be countdown for you. Shutters will be permanently down.”

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The letter prompted a “shock” reaction online and was met with an outpouring of support from people from as far away as America, as well as those living in Sheffield who claim the note “backfired” as they are going to actively visit and support the shop.

Now, the shop’s owner has said that the overwhelming amount of support and publicity the letter has gained has helped turn the letter from a “negative into a positive” for the charity.

In a post shared on Facebook yesterday (May 6) the owner of Kreate, Ruth Denton, wrote: “Thank you to everyone for sharing. You have turned this negative into such a positive for our charity.” Ruth said the shop will “proudly open its doors” today (Tuesday, May 7) after being closed for the bank holiday weekend.

Kreate is part of Work Ltd, a Sheffield charity that provides life skills and occupational training for people with learning disabilities aged 16 and over. Students can build their confidence while taking part in a variety of activities from woodwork, arts and crafts, dance, sports and more.

The shop, which sells homeware and gifts in order to raise money for the cause, opened its doors to customers in October last year and is an expansion of the charity’s work in Ringinglow, where they already run the Hidden Gem Cafe.

Messages of support continue to flood in from people across the globe including Scotland and the USA. On Facebook Karen Clayton wrote: “I hadn’t heard of Kreate but after reading this disgusting letter. I will be making sure I call at this place often.”

Iris Hillery said: “We are not local but have friends living locally. We will be sure to visit your shop on our next trip to Sheffield. Just the sort of artisan shop every locality needs.”

Deborah Blagden commented: “What horrible people! Good luck with your new venture. Now I know you are there, I’ll pop in to support! All publicity is good publicity!! Karma worked.”

Emma Hudson said: “I can't believe how viral this has gone! Seen it on so many different friends'/pages that I follow. Totally backfired on that mardy a*** didn't it? Keep up the fab work.”

Tracy Leach wrote: “Didn’t know about you before reading this. Will definitely come for a visit- keep up your fabulous work.”

Tor Swanson added: “Cheers from the USA, wishing you many successful years in business supporting your community.”

Kreate is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

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