Donations surpass $1 Million for North Minneapolis businesses following civil unrest

As communities start to rebuild after last week's civil unrest, donations are pouring in.

More than $1 million has been raised for businesses in north Minneapolis. During a time of so much loss, many are searching for answers.

"We're in the land of unexpectantly right now," said Minister Charles Caine, with Brothers Empowered.

He is doing his part a week after many businesses in north Minneapolis were looted, set on fire, and destroyed during the riots.

"There's even more of a need now," Caine said. 

On Friday, he and others joined together to provide food and other essentials to anyone looking for help.

"More importantly people need to come together, I think this is a symbol of north Minneapolis coming together," Caine said. 

This week, donations surpassed $1 million for businesses in need.

"My mind was a bit blown at first," said Felicia Perry, executive director of West Broadway Business and Area Coalition. 

Perry is part of the team helping to raise these funds in conjunction with the Northside Funders Group.

Looking for ways to help? Here are some community, donation resources in Twin Cities

"I thought we all needed to collectively come and help clean up north Minneapolis because it's often a community that's forgotten," Perry said. 

But she stresses, it's not just financial contributions. Perry is seeing so many give their time to clean up.

"There is some hope around us being able to rebuild," Perry said. 

Others are also using this as an opportunity to remind people that we still need to be aware of the current pandemic.

"Please be mindful to wear your mask, wash your hands, social distance," said Audua Puga, of Minneapolis. 

Whether it's money or time, the people of north Minneapolis are grateful for the support.

"I just really called on them and they answered the call," Perry said. 

"We were still able to bounce back on our side of town, and the whole city showing our resiliency and our love," Caine said. 

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