The Fremantle business community’s best efforts to help one of its own

Alison Richards was rightly stunned and overjoyed when Zhuz, her relatively new treasure store in South Fremantle, was announced as the winner of this year’s Fremantle Business Awards.

However, what happened next speaks to the heart of the supportive community she has immersed herself in in just a few months.

She donated her prize money to help another business in need.

Ms Richards sells homewares, gifts and other global treasures at the South Terrace store, which she opened in February.

“I try to create an atmosphere that customers enjoy,” she said of her store.

“I enjoy the interaction with the community.”

But for other small businesses in South Fremantle, things are a little more complicated.

Moko has been selling hand-painted memorabilia by owners Andy and Trudy Baker for nearly 20 years.

But they had to close their storefront (ironically the day before Juju’s existed) because the focus for the past two and a half years had been on Mr. Baker’s recovery from an unexpected stroke.

It’s a wonderful story, the final chapter of which comes from the wonderful support of the Fremantle business community.

After suffering a stroke at the finish line of the race in South Beach Park in April 2022, Mr. Baker had to relearn how to walk and talk.

He also became remarkably adept at drawing with his non-dominant left hand to support the wholesale side of his business.

The Bakers are well known in the South Fremantle community and his stroke was widely reported. Most recently, thanks to Ms. Richards, Mr. Baker had a need for a converted scooter.

Ms. Richards donated her $250 cash prize for the awards night and rallied others to help cover the costs of not only the scooter, but modifications to move the control panel to the left side as Mr. Baker had lost mobility on the right side.

A local hotel donated a keg, with every $10 pint sold adding $1,400 to the fundraiser.

Harfon’s barber said all of Saturday’s haircuts would go to Mr. Richards, and they made $800.

The goal was to raise $6,000. The community arrived there a week later.

“I saw a need,” Ms. Richards said.

“I knew everyone wanted to help but didn’t know how to do it, so I created an opportunity for them.”

The scooter is a lightweight design that will make it easier for Mrs. Baker to move around. You can also take it with you on the plane, preparing for that long-awaited family vacation.

They were dealt a devastating blow earlier this year when a planned trip was disrupted at the gate.

“Andy was cleared by his neurologist to fly in June, so I booked flights to Broome,” Ms Baker said.

“When we arrived at the airport, his wheelchair was not suitable for the flight.

“He’s been isolated, so it’ll be easier for us to get out again.”

Mr Baker was in great shape and was actually the first to cross the park’s running line on the day he had his stroke in 2022.

“He was training for the Margaret River Ultramarathon, so it was just fun for him,” Ms Baker said.

“He remembers trying to text me but then losing the use of his arm and passing out.

“I received a terrible call. Luckily, the runners were given the numbers of their next of kin.”

Mr Baker now has chronic post-stroke fatigue syndrome and aphasia, but the opportunity for greater mobility has given them all something to celebrate.

“I feel less disabled,” Mr. Baker said.

Mrs. Baker describes her husband as a smart and intelligent man with a great sense of humor. She says that despite the stroke, he still has excellent memory.

“He probably won’t regain dexterity in his right hand, but the goal is to walk more. Never say never,” she said.

Zhuz, meanwhile, is still relishing his win in the retail category at this month’s awards, which are organized by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce but voted on by the public.

“I put so much work and all my heart and soul into this business,” Ms. Richards said.

“It was recognition from the local community to show their appreciation.”