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The Coop la Maison Verte has launched a crowdfunding campaign in an effort to preserve its 16-year-old home on Sherbrooke St. W. just east of Melrose Ave. in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

“It’s the backbone of the community,” said Nathalie Senécal. “It’s important that we support it.”

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The co-op has become a hub over the years, hosting regular events, a café, farmers’ markets, a grocery store and more. The co-op is supported by its membership base. Members become stakeholders by paying $10 to join and another $10 a year to maintain their discount on purchases. Members can vote at annual general meetings and serve on the board of directors.

Amie Monroe, store coordinator, said the co-op hit an unexpected financial snag when a hired contractor ran over budget. With $28,000 suddenly disappearing, she explained, the payroll, inventory and other costs needed to be stripped down to the bare minimum. Stock was reduced and, with that, sales fell. This, she said, created a “vicious cycle.”