Throughout Homelessness Week, more than 700 cafes across Australia have united to support the CafeSmart campaign, working together with local businesses like Brisbane distribution business Brewing Brands and its homegrown tea brand Origin Tea and the day-time, drop-in centre 3rd Space in Fortitude Valley to help generate support for the homeless.
Origin Tea has joined forces with local cafes to support those without homes by encouraging patrons to “pay forward” a hot cup of tea. The campaign, now in its 14th year, has been instrumental in fundraising by donating proceeds from sales to organisations such as the 3rd Space drop-in centre in Fortitude Valley.
This initiative is part of the broader CafeSmart campaign, which taps into Australians’ love for their local coffee shops to address homelessness locally.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Impact and Support in Fortitude Valley
The 3rd Space centre has become a crucial hub for those experiencing and at risk of homelessness, offering essential services like cafe-style meals, healthcare, and support.
Over the past year, the centre has seen an alarming increase in demand. After 3rd Space averaged 1,271 meals per month in 2023, it’s nearly tripled to 3,024 per month this year.
The centre notes that homelessness in the area is on the rise, with significant increases in the number of families, nurses, and construction workers struggling to make ends meet.
Businesses Making a Difference
Chris Seaton, CEO of Brewing Brands and Origin Tea, expressed his commitment to the cause,
“Homelessness is a significant issue in south-east Queensland, and as part of our community, we are doing everything we can to support our neighbours during these tough times.”
Liz Bayrak, Community Campaign and Events Coordinator at StreetSmart Australia, also highlighted the importance of such campaigns:
“With the number of people living below the poverty line remaining high, community support is more crucial than ever. We are thrilled to have Brewing Brands and Origin Tea join us for CafeSmart this year, helping us respond to homelessness.”
In addition to financial contributions, the campaign encourages the community to engage directly with the issue. Local cafes are places where discussions about these social issues can occur, providing a platform for raising awareness and fostering a sense of community solidarity.
Many cafe owners have expressed their dedication to the cause, noting that participating in CafeSmart gives them a practical way to contribute to meaningful change within their local areas.
This year’s CafeSmart campaign not only raises funds but also helps unite the community to support a common goal: to combat the increasing challenges of homelessness and economic hardship faced by many in Brisbane and beyond.
The CafeSmart campaign runs from August 10-16, coinciding with Homelessness Week, and aims to unite the community and local businesses in a concerted effort to tackle homelessness amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.
Find out more about Brewing Brands, Origin Tea or CafeSmart, or pay forward a cup of tea at shoutforgood.com
Published 14-Aug-2024
