The community support has been overwhelming at Dave's Pop Culture in Ladner.
Since news broke last week of friends rallying around owner Dave Strutt, who was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident on Ladner Trunk Road Nov. 23, a steady stream of customers has been coming by the Ladner Village store offering to help out in any way they can.
When the Optimist visited the store Tuesday afternoon, friends were busy sorting merchandise and setting aside items for customers to pick up later in the day.
A donation bin to help Deltassist was also packed with items. Friends have suggested people come by the store and purchase a board game, toy or comic and then donate it to Deltassist, a charity that is near and dear to Strutt and one he supports every Christmas.
"Lots of people found out what was happening thanks to the story in the Optimist," said Scott Jones, one of the many friends who have stepped up to volunteer to keep the Bridge Street store open while Strutt recovers. "The reaction has been huge."
Customers have been taking advantage of the holiday sale on now until Dec. 24 where items are 10 to 50 per cent off.
"We have been busy, that's for sure," said Thomas Rissling, who was sorting and stocking comic books Tuesday afternoon. "Everyone who comes in asks about Dave. I've never seen so many people in here that I didn't recognize, which tells me how much this has impacted the whole community and what Dave means to so many people."
A charity games tournament is set for Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The game of choice is DC Deck Building, one of Strutt's favourites. There's a $25 buy-in for participants.
Friends have also started a gofundmepage at: https://www.gofundme.com/daves-recovery-fund to help raise funds for Strutt's recovery.
"Anything that can make an impact means the world to us," added Rissling. "The community is really stepping up which is so appreciative and I know Dave is just blown away by the support."
