Prahran cafe Hobba is a “happy participant” of CafeSmart 2014.
Photo: Emma Watson 2014.
Starting the day with a morning coffee is a habit most Melburnians don’t think twice about.
And today there was good reason for coffee customers to dig into their pocket for that $4 luxury without feeling guilty.
Around 150 cafes in Melbourne will donate $1 from every cup of coffee sold today towards CafeSmart 2014 – a StreetSmart Australia initiative.
Adam Robinson, CEO of StreetSmart, said the campaign raised funds for grassroots local projects that support the homeless community.
“For me, the level of homelessness we have in Australia is totally unacceptable and we need to tackle this issue,” Mr Robinson said.
CafeSmart has been held during National Homeless Persons’ Week since 2011, which Mr Robinson said provides a “good platform” to have a conversation about homelessness.
In 2013 around $83,000 raised by the event was given to 77 projects across Australia, ranging from women’s refuges to meals programs.
“The huge diversity of projects reflects the huge diversity of how and why people become homeless,” Mr Robinson said.
More than 400 cafes across the country have signed up this year, a significant rise from the 275 involved in the 2013 campaign.
“It’s a sign the level of awareness has increased and people genuinely want to help,” Mr Robinson said.
“Although the cafes get some great exposure via our social media sites, it’s great to see there are some big-hearted people out there who want to get involved.”
One such business is Prahran cafe Hobba, which has been a part of CafeSmart for several years.
Manager Kiera Sorgdrager said Hobba tried to do something every week to support the community.
“The owner heard about the campaign through other cafes already involved and thought it was another great way to give to the community,” Ms Sorgdrager said.
Frankston resident Scott hadn’t heard about CafeSmart until he walked through Hobba’s doors today.
When told a dollar from his pocket would go towards local homelessness projects, he said ‘Sure, why not?’
“It’s cold this time of year and they’ll be doing it tough. Buying a cup of coffee isn’t a big deal for most people, but for the homeless, a dollar is a lot.”
Frankston resident and regular Hobba customer Scott enjoying a coffee and doing good.
Photo: Emma Watson 2014
StreetSmart Australia aims to raise more than $100,000 this year, all of which will be redirected to good causes in the form of grants.
After inviting organisations to apply for funding, a StreetSmart committee will decide who will receive the money and how much they will receive.
StreetSmart Australia aims to notify the successful recipients towards the middle of next month.
Ms Sorgdrager said she hoped Hobba could raise at least a few hundred dollars.
With around 150 coffees already sold by 11am, the numbers might be higher.
“People don’t like to walk around during winter because of the cold, so there’s not usually a lot of foot traffic,” she said.
“I say to our customers, ‘Imagine sleeping outside in this weather’, and you see them dig into their pockets, which is nice.”
A university student from Toorak made her way into Hobba this morning, because she knew they were involved in CafeSmart.
“So many Melburnians are addicted to coffee, so it’s a great idea bringing awareness to a big problem without asking people to change their daily habits,” she said.
Another Hobba customer, Angelos, also didn’t know about CafeSmart until he bought his coffee.
“To be in Australia, without a job and homeless – that’s an issue,” he said.
“This is a fantastic idea and should happen more often.”
Kiera Sorgdrager, Hobba’s manager, is more than happy to help tackle homelessness.
Photo: Emma Watson 2014
