Wednesday 10 August 2011

Aaron's Story

"I will probably have to close because I haven’t got insurance and I can’t afford the repairs,” - Aaron 

Aaron has been in the Tottenham area for 41 years and at 89 is devastated by the damage to his livelihood.

Let's use the internet, spread this and all donate a couple of quid so Aaron can get his shop back up and running so he will not have to worry how he's going to make a living at his old age.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images, taken by Dan Kitwood
Aaron's shop was wrecked by the rioters

Aaron lost his wife last year. Born in Cable Street, he built up his businesses in Tottenham High Street over several decades and is a popular figure in the local community.
He arrived at his shop on Sunday morning to find the place smashed up, with windows broken and hairdryers looted. Even his kettle had been stolen.
Please donate to help get Aaron back on his feet and restore his faith in the community.


Here is a video we shot with Aaron.





203 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. This is lovely! I have posted on Facebook and will also donate money. If there is anything else I can do to help I would love to be involved.

    Kylie

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  3. Hi, i love what you are doing for this man and i would love to help. Myself and some of my friends are recently graduated make up artists, we know how to cut and style hair too and would love to help with your creative project whatever that might be so if you want the help you can contact me through my facebook page http://facebook.com/Puerkz
    keep up the good work guys

    Allie xoxo

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  4. Fab page, me and Mum have donated. This is so touching, poor Aaron. x

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  5. Is there any way that an 'Ask Aneka'-type makeover could be done for him with people volunteering to do it for him? Perhaps as a surprise? I have no techie or DIY skills and have never met Aaron, but would be willing to help out with phone calls, gophering, extra pair of hands.

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  6. Alternatively, would this not be a great opportunity for a 'hairdresser to the stars' like Toni & Guy, Nicky Clarke etc to help Aaron out?

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  7. Judging by the signed picture in the shop, Spurs player Peter Crouch was a customer - any chance of alerting him to the fund too?
    Great idea by the way - have donated!

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  8. As Aaron's shop was destroyed in a riot he can make a claim against the police using the 1886 "Riot (Damages) Act".

    You have to get the required form and fill it in within 14 days - http://bit.ly/mQvCLT

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  9. bump 'the coyote'...

    As Aaron's shop was destroyed in a riot he can make a claim against the police using the 1886 "Riot (Damages) Act".

    You have to get the required form and fill it in within 14 days - http://bit.ly/mQvCLT

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  10. This will help you mate, so don't worry and file a report to the police ASAP!

    RIOTS – INSURANCE NOTICE:

    If anyone has suffered ‘damage’ due to the UK Riots, and is NOT insured. Please note: You must submit a Claim under The Riot Damages Act 1886 to the Police within 14 days from the incident to the Claim.
    Please share.

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  11. Is someone going to help Aaron with this form? He may not even know about it.

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  12. Further to the above, there may be some useful stuff here:

    http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/insurance/2011/08/london-and-uk-riots-the-financial-help-available

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  13. Great idea guys. Have just donated and posted this page on my FB wall :)

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  14. Would love more info about Aaron so that I can post about it. Is there even a brief article or paragraph about his situation somewhere?

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  15. Please keep us posted of the progress. Would be lovely to see that our help made a difference. Lovely idea.

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  16. There is a small article about Aaron here Cori...

    http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/byY6VBr7ZNX/Police+Contain+Area+Tottenham+Recovers+Night/WKQObu4UmXt/Aaron+Biber

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  17. Have Tweeted through WEARESIBLING and flagging it up all over my FB page. Has caused quite a chain reaction. Glad to see the amount keeps jumping up: 200 to 400 and now 1000. HEART WARMING!

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  18. Brilliant info and ideas, if you wish to visit or write Mr Biber his business is at 22 Scotland Green N17

    Thank you.

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  19. Mr Biber often goes by 'Alf'

    This is Sarah Woolley but still trying to figure out Open ID, so coming up as 'posts' oops.

    xx

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  20. If you need some designers’ help, we’ve got a couple of people looking to help businesses get back on their feet. Perhaps some kind of online directory of affected shops so we can give them more foot-traffic?

    http://designedbygold.com/2011/08/redesigning-london/

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  21. So glad people are helping Aaron. I was happy to donate, and have also shared on Facebook and Twitter to encourage others to do the same. Good luck Aaron, from a fellow hairdresser xx

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  22. Love this idea. This is really what the British people are about, not what's been seen in past few days. I have donated.

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  23. Really heartwarming to see something like this after the past few days. Please keep us updated with how he gets on and ways to help! x

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  24. Wow, wow, incredible people offering their skills and services.

    I've been contacting Tottenham footaballers, local figures and leaders on Twitter.

    Do pass this on to your networks. Especially other barbers!

    Sarah Woolley
    xxx

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  25. Well done Bjorn & Sophie.I will donate, tweet and post to my facebook for you & Aaron. His generation survived a war - we owe him and all our golden oldies much.

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  26. Yes, as said by the others above, he can claim all damages direct from the police but he must claim within 14 days. Theres no email on the site, so hoping whoever made this page can act on this.

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  27. Great! But remember Uninsured business owners with shops damaged by the #UKriots, you can make a claim to the police under the Riot Damages Act within 14 days.

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  28. Fantastic. Now. Gentlemen. Once Mr Aaron is back on his feet, can we all go there for a hair cut? I will keep my crazy hair for this occasion. What say You?

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  29. I have donated :) Posted this on my facebook so everyone can do the same. Things like this breaks my heart :( x

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  30. Hey guys, this is Björn the guy that set this up. Just got a message from paypal telling me my account has been limited because I'm over 1900 pounds. Any idea if people can just keep donating? It takes 2-3 days to sort the limitation out. Money still seems to be coming in though?

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  31. Tara, I have a middle man who may reach Alf by tomrrow.

    Thank you everyone for the brilliant advice. The internet is great example of people sharing their experience and skills with those who want to help but are a but lost. You're brilliant.

    Sarah Woolley

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  32. Bjorn - can you set up and start a new account?

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  33. I hope so, Bjorn...I just put some into the pot!

    We in Texas are such anglophiles, and love visiting the UK, and especially London.

    My family was so sorry to hear of Mr. B's troubles and we are happy to have found your site so that we could help out.

    Karma will reward you!

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  34. Donkeywrangler, thank you to you and you family in Texas, for your generous donation. It is wonderful to hear from someone across the pond.

    Sarah Woolley

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  35. Channel 4 FactCheck makes it sound like people will be able to claim some of this back, so contact the Citizens Advice Bureau:

    "domestic and business insurers won’t be forking out for it – because they know victims of riots can claim from local police budgets.

    This is all down to the rather ancient Riot (Damages) Act of 1886. It rules that people who have suffered loss or damages during a riot can claim compensation from the local police budget"

    http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-counts-the-cost-of-the-riots/7486

    Good luck Aaron!

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  36. There is some info on Paypal and charity causes.

    https://www.paypal.com/uk/charity

    Bjorn, I would email Paypal, even call them up and direct them to this page. I know my brother sometimes has Paypal funds held and it can take 6 months to release them.

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  37. This broke my heart! Donated :-) Good luck Aaron!

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  38. Bjorn, how much does Aaron need? Also, we need to confirm exactly where you will send the extra funds. It would be good to know what needs to be raised. Thanks

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  39. UPDATE on getting insurance info to Mr Biber.

    On twitter @raymonddelauney has confirmed that he will visit Mr Biber tomorrow. He already spoke with him recently. Alf really appreciates that so many people are prepared to show their support.

    Thank you to those who shared this vital info on riots insurance.

    Sarah Woolley
    http://twitter.com/#!/Sarah_Woolley

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  40. Hi, Have you contacted/press released this 'feel good' story to the red tops / brdsheets yet?

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  41. @Vicky It's just an issue of confirming the attached bank account. That takes 2-3 days. Money is still coming into the Paypal account so everything is ok.

    @Kiek Have to be honest, wasn't expecting this big of a success. We haven't thought about how much Aaron needs. We've got a meeting tomorrow morning discussing all this. We'll update the blog as soon as this is all clear.

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  42. So glad to see people getting together to help him out, thank you for setting this up!

    Please keep us up to date on the progress x

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  43. Excellent stuff, thank you for the update Bjorn.

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  44. Great. In the meantime, it would be a good idea to find an organisation collecting for the people made homeless perhaps and update the blog accordingly that any extra funds will be going to the,? Otherwise it does just seem like endless money going into a paypal. Good work until now though :-)

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  45. Bjorn, you could transfer the money in their paypal to just giving by making a one time donation themselves of the money. Stick a target on the just giving account.

    Or maybe set a limit and then write a disclaimer that extra cash will be given to a more general organistation or cause that emerges.

    Sarah Woolley

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  46. On the news tonight, under riot regulations police share the cost of damage so he can also get help there. Good luck xxx

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  47. i saw on the bbc news , that you may be able to get compensation from the riots even if you not insured, you need to register the damage with the police with in 14 days

    http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/49-50/38/section/2

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  48. This is fantastic. Glad to see people coming together to help someone out. Well done people

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  49. Hi Trevski, a friend of mine is visiting Mr Biber tomorrow with this info. x

    Sarah Woolley

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  50. Would making a lump transfer to a Just Giving be easier and less complicated?

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  51. Mr. Biber hope my gift can help. Good luck and please don't lose hope in humanity.

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  52. Can't help with much cash, can help with rebuilding a bit. Do lots of DIY.

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  53. I'm so glad to see someone actually stepping up and creating a way for people to help Aaron. When I saw the picture of him and his destroyed shop, I just wanted to cry. Finding out about this site and all the money that's already been donated has given me hope in humanity again.

    This has made my day. :)

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  54. What about claiming from The Riot Damages Act? I think there is 14 days to claim but they might extend to 42 days - the police pays the money - if they can not be there to protect you, they pay you the compensation - this was what was said on BBC News earlier today.

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  55. This brought a tear to my eye! You wonderful, wonderful people. Everyone who has donated and offered their services are just amazing. I'm off to do the same thing now. Aaron, remember that u are loved and respected by so many people and it's mostly the people u haven't met.
    I'm going to retweet and post on my FB wall and tweet this important information to as many high profile people on my list as I can.

    I hope your faith in society is restored by these amazing citizens responsible for this appeal!
    With love, hope and all good wishes
    XX

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  56. even if Mr biber can claim under the riot damages act, i vote he keeps my couple of quid as punitive damages, r something to retire on at least.

    All the best!

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  57. The 1886 Riot (Damages) Act provides insurance for the uninsured... We believe there is only a two week window to apply!
    http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/49-50/38/section/2

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  58. Great effort guys, glad to see that there are still people who want to help back in blighty. I've given a small donation and am letting people over here in Sydney know so that they might want give a little to help too. Best of luck to Aaron, hope his business gets back on it's feet.

    Chris

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  59. Happy to help, from Vancouver, Canada. C'mon Aaron! Don't give up your shop!!

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  60. I've just donated and posted links to your campaign on Facebook and Twitter. All the very best to Aaron - I hope he's back cutting again very soon!

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  61. Donated!
    We here in Belgium support nice acts like this!

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  62. Why not set up a Justgiving account? Paypal can be an absolute nightmare, I for one won't be using their services - give people an option how to contribute.

    Great idea all the same! Good luck

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  63. Great work, but I would like to see some proof that this is actually going to go to Aaron.

    Are you working for BBH directly? Having some transparency would greatly increase the donations. (incidentally I already donated..)

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  64. folks asking about JustGiving - you need to be a registered charity for people to set up a page for you.

    Brilliant idea folks - but yeah, some more info on what will happen to the cash / how much Aaron needs etc would be appreciated.

    So glad to see things like this popping up.

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  65. I'm happy for him to keep my donation - I gave it to him specifically and not any other causes. I will give to those separately.

    He could do with a bit of a windfall to help him in retirement so I vote he keeps it all.

    After we have all seen the total and are still donating to him.

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  66. best answer the iCommunity could give... thanks for starting this!
    (and let's not forget all the others who haven't been photographed...)

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  67. Anyone slightly concerned - you can follow @bjornandsophie on twitter & see that they have contacted the various media to publicise their campaign. (They are also listed at BBH on their twitter profile)

    Keep up the great work B&S - and maybe use twitter to let us know what you are up to with this -as well as here?

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  68. Aaron isn t alone! Love and compassion from Greece .Thinking of U . Is Paypal the right way to donate? PLS keep us informed .Great ideas need great actions! SOLIDARITY is the best REACTION .Thank U Bjiorn and Keep on!

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  69. I vote Aaron keeps it all. I would like my money to go to him and nobody else. I often donate to charity and like to know my money is going to the right place.

    The poor man shouldn't have to be working at 89, unfortunately the way this country is with pensions and all, he may feel he needs to work. A nice lump sum to fix his shop then perhaps put the rest in a retirement fund for him.

    x

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  70. Hi Bjorn & Sophie,
    Great that you have set up this page. I work for Denman Brushes and we would love to send Aaron some brushes to help him get his shop back up and running. Please contact me lisa@jwpr.co.uk and we can hopefully arrange something.
    Best,
    Lisa

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  71. Amazing, well done guys, have re-posted and donated. xx

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  72. Aaron's story and photograph was, for me, one of the saddest visualisations of these riots. Delighted to be able to help in some small way, and so happy that so much has been raised in such a short time. Whatever the cost of repairing his shop and livelihood, I do hope that whatever is left over will be able to give Aaron and his family some happy times and something to smile about. Afterall, I didn't just donate for his shop, I donated for him.

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  73. I followed the donate button and went through the PayPal hoops, went to donate 5 pound and it wanted to charge me $27AUD (The exch rate right now is 0.62 which meant it should have been around $8-9 certainly not $27)
    So sadly I didn't send the donation. Not sure if PayPal are making a killing on their end or what the deal is, would be interested in a follow up.

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  74. Fantastic cause, sending lots of love and positive thoughts to you and Aaron.xx

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  75. This story broke my heart. It's all very well saying he can claim etc etc but that could take months. Anything left over from this could be given to others and this is a great way to get the ball rolling for others out there in need in OUR country. I'd be happy to help in any way I can

    Great page great idea, a great heart you have

    PS My PayPal only took 24hrs to verify

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  76. Is there anyone who can set up a page for our local convenience store owner like this?
    His shop was devastated this week & he may not be able to continue as he didn't have contents insurance... He is a really lovely guy & doesn't deserve this:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/video/2011/aug/09/london-riots-clarence-hackney-video

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  77. This really hit home - this is great guys good on you for doing it. Lets hope Aaron gets his place up and running and continues cutting hair for a long time to come - have donated and also if needed can't do a lot of diy but willing to paint and sweep up if needed.
    Best of luck
    Shirley & Jim

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  78. Brilliant. just shared this with my mate - an editor at the Guardian, so hopefully some press coverage.

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  79. Please update this page to say when Aaron re-opens. I need a haircut soon and would gladly make a 30 minute detour on the way home to get him to do it and keep business flowing through his door.

    Best wishes,
    Daniel

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  80. Excellent! What a great way to help. Share the link via all means.

    All the best Aaron.
    Rob.

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  81. Bravo for this. Happily donated a few quid and have shared the link. Nice work guys x

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  82. Delighted to be able to help! Really touching to see that people still have a heart. Keep up the good work guys and let's hope that everyone affected is able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

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  83. The PM has just announced that any claims under the Riot Damage Act ( even if uninsured) are extended to 42 days ( previously 14).

    I trust / hope someone is advising Aaron what he can claim for... ( and this will be great money to top it up)

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  84. I would gladly go visit this man for the rest of my life for haircuts, mine and everyone elses donation should go directly to him and not for anyone else. Are your team even in contact with this fine old chap?

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  85. This is a great idea. Can any of the surplus cash being given to Siva Kandiah? He and his wife set up their shop on Mare St 11 yrs ago and it has been reduced to nothing.

    Cheers
    An ex BBHer

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  86. Siva's story :

    http://tinyurl.com/43r3phu

    Perhaps if we get an excess of donations some could go to him?

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  87. Brilliant!
    Wish I could have donated more, but will help spread the word too...

    Heulwen x

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  88. Perhaps other worthy causes like some of the one expressed above could have their own pages set up and linked directly from this one to ensure authenticity. I have spoken to a friend who works at BBH and she confirms that this page is genuine. I can't wait to go and have my hair cut at Aarons place when its all fixed back up!

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  89. Have just sent this link to @the_multiman who has so very kindly offered the services of his company to help repair the damage to Aaron's shop.

    have donated and shared on Facebook and Twitter too....lets all spread the word

    Good luck! xx

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  90. how do you know this is genuine and the funds will go to him?

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  91. Mr Biber (and anyone else for that matter) can claim the cost of repairing the damage back from the police. He needs to get his COMPLETE claim form into the police within 14 days. They wont accept anything after this. Also, the claim needs to be complete. He wont be able to add any additional items on afterwards.

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  92. If anyone wants charity pages set up please feel free to mail me. I have many years of fundraising under my belt and will ensure that it is done in a way so you know Im not a con artist and all the funds go to the intended victim.

    Any questions please mail me ... email is on my profile

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  93. I'm an Australian student and don't really have much money, but I know that Aaron needs it more than I do. Happy to help :) Hope that he can get back on his feet!

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  94. I'm down in London next week, and would love to help Aaron get his shop sorted if he still needs help; I've got the day free on the 18th if anyone would like to join me...

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  95. Hey guys, just deleted the comment with Aaron's address in. We don't want to overwhelm him. I'm sure you understand.

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  96. This is great. I hope he's not too stressed by all the attention though. He's 89 years old!

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  97. Aaron can get compensation from the UK government... not entirely sure how but he and all other victims of the riots are covered by a riot law from the 1800's even if they don't have insurance, in fact most insurers will be using the same law to gain recompense for their payments to victims. unfortunately he only has 14 days to file his claim (although i think that this was going to be extended or at least an extension to this period is being talked about by MP's)

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  98. Warm your hands on this page. This is what the true spirit of Brits is about. Happy hair cutting, Aaron. Better stiil, I hope we raise enough money for you to retire. Well done Bjorn, Sophie and Omid, Uncle Norman Giller

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  99. Well, I'm not part of your local community, but I've donated. What the country is going through is bigger than "local" so we all need to pull together.

    All the best,

    JJ (Manchester)

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  100. im sure you know this but a lawyer friend just told me this - 'doesn't matter that he doesn't have insurance, it's an obscure old law that says the police have to compensate for damaged caused by a "riot" which is defined as something like 12 or more people with a common cause or something. Tell him to make a claim quick (although I think David Cameron is talking about extending the deadline to 42 days)

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  101. Be great to get the ENTIRE Spurs team down there one day queueing for haircuts.
    My family are from Tottenham for generations & we are horrified by what has happened to what was a historic part of north London over the last 20-30 years.
    I am a photographer & will gladly donate my time to promote getting his business advertised/promoted etc if you need to....that is if Dan Kitwood (who took this shot) isn't doing it already.

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  102. Amazing job guys. Well done for this. You've reduced a girl in the office to tears. As a londoner makes me so cross that people have disrespected their communities and building like this. I wasn't touched so its great to know that I'm making a difference somehow.

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  103. The Riot Act has been extended to allow claims up to 42 days after the incident, and a claim can be made in accordance with the Riot (Damages) Act

    http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/politics/pm-extends-riot-act-compensation-window-to-42-days/1036118.article

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  104. Björn, Sophie and Omid, would be great if you could start one for Tariq Jahan and his family http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UZ1VjUSKevc

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  105. Amazing effort, Bjorn, Sophie & Omid! Can you please confirm who's PayPal account this is being paid into and how the money will be given to Aaron? Any deductions along the way? Great if we can make sure all contributors have a full view on this.

    Thanks!!

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  106. G'day and Salam from Melbourne, Australia.
    I do wish the very best for Mr Biber and all the people affected by the riots & looting.

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  107. Hey guys, just to give you an update on the PayPal. All the money is going into a paypal account Bjorn set up last night for the project. Money is coming in normally. A lot of news reporters are picking up on this too so hopefully we can keep the donations for Aaron coming!

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  108. You need to get a facebook like button at the top of the page, if you set it up properly it will go crazy on facebook (Drop me an email if you need a hand)

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  109. Great news, do you have a target. Do we have an idea how much is needed?

    Sarah Woolley

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  110. Great initiative guys! Kudos!

    I've helped spread the word here:
    http://iconomi.blogspot.com/2011/08/coming-clean.html

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  111. Hi guys

    I just donated to: http://www.helpsiva.com/ also, take a look if you can. X

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  112. Guys, really admire what you're doing here. Such a lovely gesture, proving that there is still kindness in the world. He CAN still get compensation even though he wasn't insured though....


    Under the 1886 Riots Damages Act, uninsured businesses or insurers seeking to claim property damage claims filed by their customers must lodge a claim with the police within 14 days.

    Insurers will still have to cover business interruption costs, which often far exceed property damage claims.

    The Riots Damages Act defines a riot as more than 12 people ‘riotously and tumultuously assembled,’ whose behaviour would cause reasonable people to fear for their safety.

    Insurers have called on the government to extend the 14 day claiming period to 42 days as it may be difficult to assess the loss and damage while many of the affected buildings are still crime scenes or are unsafe to enter.

    Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2024840/UK-riots-How-does-insurance-cover-damage-push-premiums.html#ixzz1UjLWaSTB

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  113. Great initiative: I have spread the word!

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  114. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  115. It sounds all lovely but how can we make sure that the money is actually going to him and not some scam?

    Trish

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  116. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/49-50/38/contents

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  117. Just made a little donation. Was disgusted by actions of these so called rioters over the past few days. I want Aaron to know there are some decent people out there with kind hearts.

    I'd like to wish Aaron all the best.

    Chris H

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  118. I don't earn much as i can't work too much due to back problems. Nonetheless i have donated what i can as i feel he needs it a damn sight more than me.

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  119. Well done guys and all the best to Mr Biber from across the pond.

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  120. Some people have mentioned that Aaron is 89 and still working. Is this because he loves his job and doesn't want to retire OR he needs to keep on working due to lack of money?

    I would hope it's the former but in today's climate it could be the latter.

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  121. A fantastic idea, and hopefully a better end to a story that absolutely broke my heart. I'll add my voice to those saying all money goes to Aaron - everyone here donated to him, he should decide what happens to the excess.

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  122. Sorry to hear about this Aaron, hope you get your shop back together soon, donation made and link shared on facebook.

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  123. To everyone who keeps asking is this a scam - please take the time to read through the comments!!

    Various verifications here- and you can follow bjorn & sophie's twitter @bjornandsophie where they are interacting with various media to spread the story- and you can also ring the advertising agency BBH if you are still not convinced!

    Re Riot damage claims - yes, the PM announced a 42 day period to claim this afternoon - extended from 14 days.

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  124. Just donated a little something to keep your clippers buzzing. Best wishes from us down here in Croydon.

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  125. Coverage from the Jewish Chronicle for this campaign :

    http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/53039/appeal-keep-tottenham-barber-aaron-biber-cutting-after-riot-damage

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  126. This is not a scam. Bjorn and co work for Bartle Bogle Hegarty in London and I have checked that it is proper.

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  127. I hope hes been to the police station to make a claim for riot damage hes only got between 7-14 days....

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  128. Aaron can claim against the Riot Damages Act: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/reclaim/2011/08/government-unveils-riot-compensation-scheme

    Fingers crossed he can get help

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  129. Have tweeted, donated and will post to blog. Greetings and heartfelt best wishes from the US.

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  130. Well done and best of Luck Aaron . My family have had a hairdressing salon in Ireland since 1934 and it touched a nerve seeing your story . Good will overcome evil everytime

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  131. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aaron-Biber-Keep-Aaron-Cutting/131258013633542

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  132. I hope he can continue his profession and donated from Holland

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  133. Just donated, best wishes to Aaron

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  134. I've heard from friends who had a similar fund , that it's nearly impossible to have Paypal release funds for something like this ...you may have to hook up with a legitimate charity to do so

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  135. hi, do i get a free haircut of i donate?

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  136. Hello there,

    What you are doing here is extremely awesome, but I would second (or third) the comments above to get another payment option up there in combination with paypal. They are not good people and they're hardly charity-friendly.

    Justgiving is a good call, maybe also look into flattr (flattr.com)? A large number of micro-donations goes a long way.

    Good luck with it all!

    Naomi

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  137. This poor man epitomises everything that is wrong with the arguments defending the looters. Here we have a man who does not appear to be particularly rich, still working at 84 and having his livelihood destroyed by people who say "we can do what we want" and "we can do this to rich people, people with businesses".

    Well, I hope those who are personally responsible for the damage to Mr Biber's shop have it demonstrated to them that they cannot do what they want...

    Well done to those organising this - I have contributed because at least this is one case where giving will go directly towards helping someone who did not deserve to lose everything.

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  138. Hi will be donating all my profits (25%) from sales on a link I've created on my Scentsy website to Aaron.

    https://ukwicklessscents.scentsy.co.uk/Buy

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  139. I have donated to Aaron's fund and I think he should keep any money left over for his retirement. He deserves to put his feet up!

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  140. I just donated and I agree with Annakin, he should keep whatever is left over!

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  141. Hi all, and well done. Hope I've been of help. I posted a link to this blog and all I can say is the traffic heading over to you has been astounding.

    As for the money. let him rebuild his shop and maybe invest the rest for his retirement. That is if he ever does decide to retire!

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  142. Just donated to Aaron - stories like this puts faith back in the human spirit! All the best Aaron, from Adam

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  143. He should defo keep what is left over. I think he is a humble man and will want to give it away. He is 89, defo should be thinking about putting his feet up!

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  144. Oh - and to those perfectly sensible questions: "is this a scam?"...

    I would trust this. This site links to a page hosted on Bartle Bogle Hegarty Ltd's website http://bbh-labs.com/keep-aaron-cutting which goes along way to verifying the authenticity.

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  145. bless you a thousand times over! you're doing such a wonderful job to help out someone whose life could have been destroyed. you're fantastic human beings.

    tiffany
    washington dc, usa

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  146. well done guys! you've made my day following what's you've managed to achieve and i hope we will all contribute to many happy days for arron and his shop!
    best wishes,
    tom

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  147. What a heart thing you're doing here, well done to you and everyone who has donated. I'd like to say though, that I myself have donated for "Aaron" and that's where I'd like my money to go. Maybe you could introduce some kind of cap and an announcement stating that once the limit is reached, any money donated thereafter will go to other worthy people affected by these mindless riots. It would be unfair to allow people to donate to Aaron, only to then find out that their money went elsewhere. Just my opinion. Keep up the good work.

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  148. Just donated to an amazing cause.

    Best wishes from Lincoln.

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  149. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  150. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !
    i want to help you so much! but i live in Czech Republic,so it's hard to help you..
    but,im really proud of you guys for what are you doing for this man and for other people.I can see a hope in you! and... this is just so nice!
    I just want to tell you,never never never give up. God bless you:) and thank you for things you are doing!
    you are all amazing.

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  151. This is AMAZING, but... how much money actually needs raising to get dude back cutting hair? Where will any excess funds go? Hopefully this blog will continue with updates on the progress of restoring the shop so everyone can see where their contributions have gone and no one feels shorted. Truly a good cause.

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  152. Your blog answered my question. Hope to see this blog continue.

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  153. I really don't mind what Aaron does with the money - whether he rebuilds his barbers, save it and have a more comfortable retirement or splashes it all partying in Soho! The point is he has worked until the grand old age of 89, trying to provide for himself and he has had his whole lively hood trashed by disrespectful, selfish people - he deserves better.

    Good luck Aaron!! xx

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  154. Donated, not only to restore Aaron's faith in the community, but also to prove that there are always people who care. Best wishes from Belgium

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  155. Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh ba'Zeh.

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  156. It is good to see people coming together to help like this, i truly hope Aaron get every penny that is raised from this.
    I wish him all the best and hope he is alright.

    Regards

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  157. Thanks for the update, glad to see there's discussion about maybe "extra" funds going to others in Tottenham community. I hope that there is indeed enough of an outpouring that Mr. Biber is taken care of and a few others as well. We'll keep tweeting and blogging - social media got some blame for exacerbating the riots, let's show that it can also be used to make the world a better place, one tweet, one post, one text at a time! Good luck Mr. Biber.

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  158. Aaron is 89 , my late father had a barbers in Stamford hill just down the road. Aaron will have better mazal soon. What a brave man. Well done to everyone

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  159. Best wishes and a donation from Chicago.
    <3

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  160. If you need a page like this for fundraising just feel free to send me a message

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  161. @ The Coyote,

    The Riot Act was replaced by the Public Order Act some 40 years ago. You can no longer receive compensation for the acts of rioters via the Government. Insurance is needed to cover your properties.

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  162. To those who are saying that the money should be shared around, I say that it should totally be up to Aaron. This page says the donations are for Aaron and it would be misleading to then do differently with the funds.

    Whilst the final total will probably easily cover all his costs, it should be up to HIM to decide what to do with the rest. I hope the organisers are true to their word and give it all to Aaron. Now I'm going to donate!

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  163. Fantastic effort so far guys.
    People like Aaron ARE the community and its important to help any way you can

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  164. Best wishes and a little help from over here in the States. God bless all of you, and Aaron. Keep being a light for others!

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  165. Thank you Bjorn, Sophie and Omid, this is absolutely brilliant. What a character Aaron is, I love how he flirts at the end of the video. He is the epitome of the heart and soul of London, I hope that characters like him live on.

    I was born and raised in London, my father's family settled in Whitechapel along with hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from Europe. I now live in Canada with my American husband. We were able to use the PayPal link on this page to make a contribution. Thank you again. Long live Aaron!

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  166. I live in the US. I'd gladly donate if I could but a recent move to NYC (and a bipolar boyfriend) have pretty much killed my finances. I will as soon as I'm able though. Your story is an inspiration to all, and it is a real pity that a few hooligans would choose to target the businesses that make their very own neighborhoods such a wonderful place to live. :-(

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  167. This is such a touching story. I came across it in The Age newspaper in Melbourne where I am at the moment and have passed it around to all my colleagues in my office. Hopefully we'll be able to help him out in some shape or form.

    Hopefully the scumbags who did all this damage to this poor mans business will be brought to justice and the punishment dealt to them is just.

    Best wishes, and keep up the good work!
    Leon x

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  168. I am Fay's American husband. I don't know if Aaron needs the money to survive financially, but he needs the money to survive as a human being.

    Society needs people such as Aaron to survive. And society needs the money to survive as a society. If you can't afford to give anything other than your good wishes, don't worry: they will do wonders. But if you can afford to throw a couple of pounds towards fine people such as Aaron, then please do.

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  169. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  170. I think every convicted rioter should have to pay Aaron for a haircut and a shave with a cut throat razor. I'm sure he would be professional but the fear of the razor slipping might bring them to their senses. Fantastic spirit in the aftermath.

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  171. Can we get links to the interviews please?

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  172. Have you seen this? I'm sure they will help Aaron. http://www.mybuilder.com/riot-repairs

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  173. Bless him, I am so pleased this page has enabled him to continue in his trade.

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  174. haha, i gave him £2, i hope he gets enough money he can retire, unless he enjoys working still. fair play to him.

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  175. hah hah hah
    still got the moves with the ladies Aaron
    all the best you old smoothie

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  176. While I think this web site is wonderful, I think you should declare a closure date, like at least one similar site (in fact, I think that one closed ten minutes ago).

    You can then keep everyone informed of the destination of the money, and link to other, long-term funds and organisations that can help the victims of the riots get back on their feet.

    Please do not overstay your welcome.

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  177. Greetings from Ireland and donation made :)

    Well done to all concerned - great idea on having a closing date/time.

    So nice to see people from around the world come together to help poor Aaron - if notihng else I really hope it restores his faith in human nature.

    Well done to all behind this.

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  178. For anyone who has been affected by the UK Riots
    and is NOT insured u can make a claim 2 police under the Riot damages act 1886... You have 14 days from incident to claim.

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  179. Prime minister's Pleadge
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14490272

    Useful Info
    http://www.policybee.co.uk/blog/494/business-insurance-claiming-for-riot-damage

    As someone that was at the Tottenham game last weekend and left the area less than an hour before the trouble flared up I conssider myself lucky and feel for everyone affected by it.

    It's great to see so many people contributing to getting him back on his feet.

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  180. So heart warming, love when he speaks Yiddish at the end.

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  181. All kudos to the interns at BBH for setting up this blog to support such a worthy cause. Well done!

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  182. Donation sent. All the best to you from the US, Mr. Biber.

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  183. The Ashraf fund is a really good example of how to cap the money and draw attention to wider, long term projects like Riot Rebuild

    http://somethingniceforashraf.tumblr.com/

    Sarah Woolley

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  184. My husband and I just donated. Only sweet things for you from here on out Zeide. Much love and a gut Shabbos from Chicago, iL

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  185. I have donated. I live in Sweden but spend some time in the UK and it feels more like home to me that any where in the world. And this is because of all the wonderful friends I made there. Don't let the minority ruin a wonderful place for the majority! Good luck, Aaron. You are a heart stealer! x

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  186. Very nice. The only thing that made me a bit uncomfortable was the 2 second cutaway to the black woman and bobby when Aaron was talking about the rioters. No need to comment on race.

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  187. You CANNOT leave this to sort itself out. Mr Biber is, in his full right, to not share his money with community and he states that clearly in his interviews
    http://www.thejc.com/videos/news-videos/tottenham-barber-aaron-biber-keep-aaron-cutting-appeal

    It would be nice to help Tottenham but if you wish to do that you HAVE to close the fund and start a more general donation site.

    Please don't let this turn into a big mess.

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  188. Mr Biber is interviwed here and states explicitly that one

    HE WILL NOT SHARE THE MONEY: That is FINE. It's his. and you cannot go back on what you promised. You can however, stop saying that you will share this with Tottenham and close the account. Get the money to Mr Biber and draw attention to other families affected.

    At the VERY least, change your website's update on how the money will be spent.

    Please be professional about this.

    http://www.thejc.com/videos/news-videos/tottenham-barber-aaron-biber-keep-aaron-cutting-appeal

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  189. As Mr.Biber has stated that the money raised "doesn't matter" to him & that he expressed a desire to "bayonet" the people who attacked his premises, I will not be contributing.

    I regard those who have donated as mindless as the looters themselves. Take away their benefits, turf them out of their homes...just as you called for the bankers to have their homes repossessed when they were responsible for this country's billion pound economic collapse, just as you did with the politicians who stood by & did nothing whilst fiddling their expenses...oh no, you DIDN'T did you? Yet you want these young victims of your country's rulers to be flogged.

    I'm sorry Mr.Biber had to endure this assault...but I'm damned if I'm going to pick up the tab, the government's money is the PUBLIC's money & you, like the idiots you are, will keep paying for their mismanagement of this country.

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  190. Ask yourself why all political parties are united on this issue...that the rioters are nothing more than "mindless criminals"...because to argue otherwise would be to concede that this country has MASSIVE problems. A TRILLION POUND debt created by their greed, BILLION POUND wars at YOUR expense. Wars that involve destruction on a scale that makes these few days of riots look like nothing.

    Start attacking the real perpetrators of these disturbances...the corrupt priveleged class that rules this country...instead of the uneducated detritus that they have knowingly created for centuries.

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  191. as i said above - i think Mr biber shoud keep all the money, as it was donated to him.

    and dom, you're a rude jackass.

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  192. Bump for interest.

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  193. A great end to a great fundraiser. If Mr Biber keeps his funds, good for him but I'm glad that the wider community may be helped.

    Well done everyone.

    Sarah Woolley

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  194. http://www.thejc.com/videos/news-videos/tottenham-barber-aaron-biber-keep-aaron-cutting-appeal

    Just watched the above interview and Aaron is a sensible guy. We donated the money for him, and it's up to him what he does with it. All of this money must be given to him...

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  195. Thanks for doing this! I posted a thread on my Straight Razor forum.

    http://straightrazorplace.com/general-razor-shaving-related-discussion/73188-maybe-we-can-help-guy.html#post831555

    If someone would email me Mr. Bibers mailing address then we can send him some babershop stuff.

    randydance@comcast.net

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  196. Lots of calls for a general fund.
    There are currently some springing up.

    A fund is being set up by the Council so people can donate money to help local residents and businesses affected by the riots.

    Name of Fund: Mayor’s Charitable Account – Tottenham Fund
    Cheques – Payable to Mayor’s Charity – Tottenham Fund
    Send to: London Borough of Haringey, PO Box 55235. London. N22 9DF
    Direct to the bank (either in a branch or by e-banking)
    Payee: Mayor’s Charity – Tottenham Fund
    Sort Code: 60-24-23
    Account number: 90724828

    The fund is being managed through the Mayor of Haringey’s charity account so all donations are kept separate from the council’s own finances. Arrangements are being put into place to ensure full accountability of donations made and subsequent payments made.

    There is also one of the most fantastic, long term operations to emerge: Riot Rebuild that you can donate to.

    A lot of brilliant people are connecting on the internet.
    http://riot-rebuild.posterous.com/

    Also, at the moment this is a great index of ways to help. Hopefully we can get a similar, brief index on K.A.C.

    http://somethingniceforashraf.tumblr.com/

    Sarah Woolley

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