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The owners of the Good Will Social Club have something to celebrate after getting a much-needed financial boost from a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the struggling business.

Located at 625 Portage Ave., the popular bar/restaurant, coffeehouse and live music venue closed temporarily on March 16 to adhere to government guidelines during the COVID-19 crisis.

The sign at the Good Will Social Club calls for social distancing. More than $55,000 has been raised for the club in a GoFundMe campaign. Shannon Vanraes / Winnipeg Free Press files

The club's operators were feeling the pinch and were hoping to raise $45,000 to cover accumulated rent while the club was closed.

By Sunday afternoon, the total raised exceeded $55,000 with more than 1,000 donations, which should help the owners avoid a threatened lockout by the landlord.

They also hope to tap into a federal government plan from commercial rent assistance, if they qualify.

"With your support, the money we raise will pay 50 per cent of our April, May and June rent with the hopes that the federal plan will cover the other half," said the owners in a release. "Considering our estimated reopening in September, we will use the remaining donations to pay rent over the summer."