Sheffield business owner launches fundraiser to replace stolen food truck and help feed community

James Hipkiss, owner of catering company Fancy Fries, and his wife moved to Sheffield in March but just a week later the self-employed pair found their diaries completely wiped of all work commitments as the first national lockdown was imposed.

Then, just four weeks ago, James was shocked to discover his food trailer had been stolen from a lockup on Scotland Street, West Bar – a saddening end to what had already been a terrible year for his business and one which put a major halt on plans for 2021.

The theft of the trailer – which was used at weddings and other events – was shared on Facebook by hundreds of people so, spurred on by the support he received, James decided to start a crowdfunding page to help raise the £12,000 needed for a new catering truck.

But what started out as replacing a trailer for his business is now turning into something much bigger and will hopefully benefit the community for months to come.

Posting on the Crowdfunder page, James said: “It actually took at lot of courage to set up this crowd funding project as I'm a proud person and have always worked to get the things that I need and want, especially equipment for my own business.

"However, this is different. I'm seeing this from a different angle; it's more of a trade between myself and you, the philanthropist.

"This very strange year has given us a lot of time to think about whats going on in this country and even in 2020 we are still seeing thousands of people going hungry every day.

"I'm under no illusion that we are going to make a massive difference, however we can take a tiny step in the right direction by promising, with your help to make monthly visits to schools, homeless shelters and care homes to give away free food to those in need.”

James is offering a range of rewards in exchange for pledges; for example a £50 donation could get you some Fancy Fries branded gift sets, plus an entry into a raffle to win private catering at your home while £1,000 gets you private catering for 50 people, Covid permitting.

It is hoped the money can be raised to replace the trailer before this year’s wedding season.

More than £1,800 has been raised in a matter of days, with any money raised over the final £12,000 goal being used to further fund the various community projects James has planned.

He said: “Once a month I’ve promised to go to a local school and feed the children fish and chips or whatever, also go to care homes and visit. I’m most likely going to be doing that before the weddings but I’ll happily do the schools and care homes for free.

"I can use my skills and equipment I’ve got, and going to have hopefully, to do something a lot bigger and better.”

James says that if the £12,000 is not raised then all donations will be automatically returned.

For more information or to donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/trailerproject.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.