Support local restaurants/businesses

Kazi Mannan of Sakina Halal Grill came to the U.S. about 25 years ago from Pakistan with $3 in his pocket, drove a car service to earn a living, and now owns a restaurant named after his mother, where he feeds any homeless person who comes in with dignity and generosity. He had to shut down in March, and when he reopened four months later his business had declined by 80 per cent. Unable to pay rent, suppliers, employees, he considered closing. Then a friend suggested a GoFundMe campaign, and he reluctantly agreed. Within a few days, and with the support of thousands including media and influential twitterers, the fund had raised $300,000. Kazi bhai is back in business; extra funds he’s using to set up a foundation to support other restaurants that want to feed the homeless. “When you do go good in the community, people remember you,” Kazi bhai told me this morning, “they appreciate you, and pray for you, even after you die." #KINDdemic