THREE Horsham cafes have donated about $990 to combat homeless in Horsham.
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Cafe Jas, Fig Tree Caffe and Cafe Chickpea donated $1 for each coffee sold on Friday to CafeSmart, a one-day annual event that raised money to support programs against homelessness.
Their contributions will help support grassroots projects in Horsham, such as Business Horsham’s Target 365.
Target 365 aims to pay for 365 nights of accommodation for Wimmera people experiencing homelessness.
Fig Tree Caffe owner Brad Koenig said the cafe raised almost $340.
“We sold about 40 extra coffees that day, compared with a normal busy day,” he said.
“It was great because people came in just to put money in the donation tin as well.
“We would do it again.”
Fig Tree Caffe and Cafe Chickpea were new to the initiative this year.
Business Horsham executive administrator Wendy Mitchell said Cafe Chickpea donated about $300.
Cafe Jas donated about $350.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the outcome and cannot thank the three cafes enough,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“It was very generous of the cafes to take on this campaign as at the end of the day this money comes directly out of their own pockets.
“We encourage other cafe owners to consider coming on board next year.”
The CafeSmart campaign coincided with Homeless Persons’ Week.
Wimmera Uniting Care raised more than $3000 during the week with fundraising activities including a sleep-out at May Park, a tin rattle campaign and online donations.
Housing program leader Sue Martin said the money would go towards providing emergency accommodation for Wimmera people in need.
“We are very pleased with the amount raised so far and would like to sincerely thank those who have dug deep for the cause,” she said.
“We are still taking donations up until the end of August, with the aim to raise $5000.
Ms Martin said donations could be made online at www.wuc.org.au or at the Wimmera Uniting Care office in Baillie Street, Horsham.
“We urge people to get on board,” she said.
Ms Martin said the amount raised so far was enough to fund 30 nights of emergency accommodation in the Wimmera.
She thanked all the people, organisations and businesses that supported the week.
“It was a great community effort,” she said.
