The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Heroes raise funds and come to the rescue of cancelled Dunfermline Comic Con.
Dunfermline community rallies round after comedy event cancelled due to weather
Maybe the cold is all it takes for people to show warmth.
When the weather forced the cancellation of Dunfermline Comic Con today, it left organisers Alby, Louise and Sinead Grainger distraught.
The family, who own independent Dunfermline store Little Shop of Heroes, were also facing a monumental financial battle.
But now The Force is with them and hundreds have rallied round to help ensure future festivals, which brings thousands of people into the town, are saved.
The event has grown year on year and more than 5,000 people had been expected to descend on Scotland’s new capital of comics today.
As well as the fun side, the team was giving any profits, and 10% of all adult ticket sales, to its new Books for Schools charity which donates graphic novels to all 19 Fife high schools.
But the weather put paid to those plans and that has left the trio with a financial headache as orders still have to be paid, while still honouring its commitment to charity.
However, a gofundme page has been set up, with Visit Dunfermline director Thomas Moffat urging everyone to help save Comic Con and the local business.
In less than 24 hours nearly £7,000 of the £20,000 target has been raised.
“We know Dunfermline will rally round this much loved local business and much needed event at this very difficult time – together we can and will make a difference,” he said.
John Irvine said: “As a stallholder I have already contacted Little Shop of Heroes and asked them not to refund my table as my donation.”
Thomas said: “The reaction has been amazing, we’ve had Ian Rankin re-tweeting, and local businesses are totally getting behind it.
“It’s wonderful and shows the support of the people in Dunfermline, Fife and beyond.
“We do not want to lose the event or see the family take a personal financial loss – they’ve created something really important for Dunfermline.”
Louise said the family were overwhelmed by the support.
“We had a very emotional and busy Thursday as we had so many people to contact to warn it was off.
“And then we had this outpouring of support. I do not know how many times I cried yesterday!”
She said the shop was like family, with many regulars becoming volunteers for the Comic Con.
SNP MSP Shirley Anne Somerville said: “I’m delighted to see the community getting behind the organisers, Little Shop of Heroes, to help cover the cost of this year’s Dunfermline Comic Con.”
To donate visit www.gofundme.com/ savedunfermlinecomiccon
We know Dunfermline will rally round this much-loved local business and muchneeded event at this very difficult time – together we can and will make a difference