By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A GEELONG café has brought a worldwide charitable trend called suspended coffee to the region, with an unprecedented customer response.
Lavish owner Shane Goodall said more than 70 customers had already registered their support for the concept, which has also won corporate support.
Suspended coffee is an Italian tradition in which customers buy two coffees, consume one and “suspend” the other for people unable to afford their own.
“A lot of our customers want to support it and some have even organised a direct debit to make regular contributions to the suspended coffee fund,” Mr Goodall said.
“It’s just a random act of kindness to those who cannot afford something we take for granted. We can also include soup or food in the idea.
“It’s been done in Italy for long time and its catching on elsewhere in Europe. It spread to Australia just 15 days ago, with a Suspended Coffee Society established through Facebook.”
Mr Goodall said the campaign was not judgemental about customers who asked for suspended coffees.
“You don’t know where people are coming from. It’s more about spreading some good karma, making a difference, and making a small amount go a long way.
“People like the idea because it’s simple yet effective.”
Mr Goodall said he had approached Geelong charitable organisaiton Give Where You Live and Time for Youth with the idea of organising a registration system for clients of their agencies.
“All we do is provide a warm comfortable environment for something that gives hope and inspiration to move on with life.”
Mr Goodall encouraged other cafés the join the trend.
Lake Imaging director Craig Bremner said his company had put $200 into Lavish’s suspended coffee fund.
“I’d like to challenge other businesses to get involved. The Golden Plate awards (for restaurants and cafes) are promoting suspended coffee through its network, so we’re donating $200 to similar funds in Ballarat and Bendigo as well,” Mr Bremner said.
