You scream, I scream, we all scream for…coffee! Well, we are Melburnians after all…
This is for all you coffee snobs out there, because you like your coffee fresh, hot and frothed properly. What if I told you, you could drink a perfectly crafted cup and help save the world?
I mean, if you’re spending $4 per cup (it’s unreasonable, but you gotta do what you gotta do) why not give some of that money to charity as well!?
Here’s a list of a few coffee spots around Melbourne that give back to the community, so you can have your coffee and feel extra good drinking it too!
Co-Ground Coffee
51 Langridge St, Collingwood
Launched in 2015, this mobile coffee cart is looking to change the world one coffee at a time! Their mission is to help eradicate world poverty by 2030, and believe that “the only way to achieve this is by working together!”
After seeing the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, the team behind Co-Ground Coffee decided to do something about it.
With sponsorship from Five Senses Coffee, La Marzocco, Calmer Sutra Tea and a large group of Australian entertainers, Co-Ground coffee has set up their little cart of charity, where 100% of the profits made will be donated to their projects in the Asia-Pacific region to help support poverty stricken areas.
Thanks to a collaboration with Pace of Collingwood, Co-Ground will have a temporary home on the corner of Wellington and Langridge Streets in Collingwood for 5 months.
Co-Ground is open Wednesday – Sunday from 7am – 3pm, and you can head down and grab a cup of coffee, a toastie or a mouth-watering Butterbing and do your bit! It’s that simple.
If you can’t get to Collingwood, never fear! You can jump online and make a donation or attend one of the awesome “Co-Events” that they have running throughout the year! Jump on their socials to keep up with news and events!
Good 2 Go
7-9 Hosier Lane, CBD
Good 2 Go social enterprise coffee shop and training site was launched at the end of 2014, and helps support youth unemployment and disadvantages.
With the youth unemployment rate rising in Victoria, and all the obstacles that young people face in the wake of this, Good 2 Go is helping to make a change in this department by training and mentoring young people to create more sustainable lives for themselves.
Located in the CBD’s Hosier Lane, this little coffee shop trains young people in customer service and hospitality, providing them with real skills which better increase their chance for future jobs. They serve Rumble coffee blend which also helps support the Melbourne based business, and keeps all profits local.
Youth Projects Limited is an independent, non-for-profit agency that works with young people to help better their lives through training, education, outreach and counselling.
Established in 1984, sales from this project aim to create live changing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Head down and grab a coffee to show your support, or, have a browse through their op-shop, where profits go towards Youth Projects as well. You can also donate a “pay it forward” coffee at the counter, or head to the website to make a donation.
The Final Step
1C Murphy St, South Yarra
This unassuming establishment just off Toorak Road in South Yarra houses good coffee, wonderful homemade pastries and an amazing ethos.
Profits made from this humble café fund the “Food For Thought” program which helps feed underprivileged children in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
There are two types of blends to choose from, Small Batch and Proud Mary, and if you’re after a café that’s a little more personal and homely, take a turn off the bustling Toorak Road and make yourself comfortable in this ambient little café knowing you’re making a difference.
Kinfolk
673 Bourke St, CBD
Located in the CBD, Kinfolk is a social enterprise that serves amazing food and coffee with 100% of profits made going to rotating charities.
A team of dedicated volunteers are the driving force behind the operation, and successfully run the cafe as well as events to ensure all profits get sent out to charities. Since their opening in 2010, they have raised just over $175,000 for their charity partners!
The menu is seasonal so the produce is always fresh. They have a breakfast and lunch menu, with options for all your favourite breakfast needs such as smashed avo, or granola, plus. there is also a toastie menu and a list of smoothies to try!
Okay, not coffee related… or is it?
Who Gives a Crap? is here to “make your bottom smile” and save the world at the same time. This charity started right here in Melbourne in 2012, when founders Simon, Jehan and Danny learnt that 2.4 billion people across the world do not have access to a toilet, which leads to a lot illness and diseases that could easily be prevented.
Cue this genius idea – because we all need toilet paper anyway!
Jump online and order your 100% forest friendly, recycled toilet paper and have it delivered right to your door. 50% of the profits donated help to build toilets for those less fortunate. Easy!
Who gives a crap? You do.
By Indah Da Silva
