Montreal café ‘Oh My Deer’ organizes raffle to cover repair costs after vandalism

Last month, something smashed through the front window of Oh My Deer Café in Montreal’s Plateau — an early morning shock for the owner, Claudia Gamboa.

In an Instagram video, she emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times, particularly for small business owners who invest so much into their work.

“When I just opened the door, I’m always worried of the alarm. So I just run deactivate the alarm, and then I noticed it was like, ‘What happened?'” said Gamboa.

“I thought at the beginning that it was a gunshot,” she added.

Camera footage and the police investigation later revealed that it likely came from a BB gun—a relief to her.

While the motive behind this incident remains unknown, one thing is certain: the repair bill is $1,000.

“When I reopened two years ago, and even though we’re doing great for a young business, it’s still challenging. And things like this that is unexpected, I cannot afford it,” said Gamboa.

This isn’t her first incident. Back in July this year, someone broke into her café and robbed it, leaving her feeling more insecure than ever.

“I have been here in Montreal already 11 years, and this year I have felt the difference in how I perceive the security here in Montreal,” said Gamboa.

She’s now organizing a community raffle to help cover repair costs and keep her café — and her dream — alive.

“The response of the community has been amazing. Seriously, it blew my mind. When we posted, everybody was sharing, and I was receiving phone calls, like, ‘What can I do?’ And other small businesses, they also pitch in. So I got like a tattoo, I got food, I got like services just to be part of the ruffle,” said Gamboa.

The draw date is set for December 20th. Details to enter the draw can be found at her café on Des Pins Street or on the Oh My Deer Instagram page.

“With all the support from the community, I have hope that everything is going to be okay. I don’t feel alone.”