VANCOUVER - Some small businesses damaged during the Stanley Cup riot in Vancouver have been given cheques to help pay for repairs not covered by insurance.
The Vancouver Restoration Fund handed out $20,000 on Wednesday, with varying amounts going to nine groups, including a restaurant, a music store and art gallery.
The fund, which is considering claims from other businesses, was set up after the riot with contributions from corporate sponsors such as Telus and VanCity Savings.
One of those getting a cheque Wednesday was the owner of Da Gino Ristorante, Francesco Caligiuri.
He says he and his family felt very alone the night his windows were smashed and they were barricaded inside, and to see this support is a nice turnaround and his family is very thankful.
In addition to the businesses, Holy Rosary Cathedral also got a cheque to help repair windows smashed by rioters after the Vancouver Canucks lost game seven of the Stanley Cup final to Boston on June 15.
