Community spirit will be on the menu for three Port Macquarie cafes as they unite to raise money for those doing it tough during Homelessness Week which runs from August 2 to August 8.
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Bookface Cafe, Peak Coffee Brew Lab and Four Espresso will become homelessness advocates this week by raising awareness about the issue of homelessness in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region through the CafeSmart campaign.
Coffee drinkers are encouraged to donate either online or at one of the participating cafes to help raise funds for local homelessness services.
Owner of Bookface Cafe Jo Hawes said all of the funds raised for CafeSmart will go to local homelessness support services.
"We will have a donation box out for locals to drop in their change and will also have a QR code that people can scan and donate that way," she said.
"The money will first go to CafeSmart and will then be shared to our local homelessness services in Port Macquarie."
Each participating cafe will also donate $1 per coffee sold on Friday, August 6, to the CafeSmart campaign.
"We've been involved in the CafeSmart campaign since 2018 and have raised over $1000," Ms Hawes said.
"Locals have really got behind it in previous years and we've already had people saying that they will put in a big order during the week."
CEO of StreetSmart Australia Geoff Hills said the campaign provides an easy opportunity to provide crucial support to vulnerable people while also helping to support local cafes.
"If you're able to, visit your local CafeSmart cafe to purchase a coffee on Friday, August 6, or simply donate the cost of a coffee online, and you will help deliver vital emergency funding to small, local grassroots homeless charities," he said.
Over the past 10 years, CafeSmart has raised and distributed over $1.5 million to more than 1000 local projects by bringing together local cafe businesses and coffee drinkers.
Ms Hawes said she encourages locals to get behind the initiative.
"People sometimes turn a blind eye to the issue of homelessness and this campaign during Homelessness Week is to bring awareness more than anything," she said.
To donate or to find a participating cafe via the CafeSmart interactive map, visit the CafeSmart website.
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