CafeSmart is an annual fundraising campaign, run by not-for-profit StreetSmart, that unites coffee roasters, cafes and coffee lovers around Australia to fight homelessness and support those at risk.
Every year on CafeSmart Day in August, participating coffee roasters and cafes donate $1 from every cup of coffee purchased to support StreetSmart’s work assisting vulnerable households and individuals in need of food, emergency relief, and safe and secure accommodation.
“Since 2011, CafeSmart has grown into a beloved annual event, engaging thousands of cafes, roasters and coffee lovers, and helping us raise over $2 million so far!” says Liz Bayrak from the StreetSmart team. “The coffee community is already committed to making a positive impact across the supply chain, so turning everyday coffee rituals into opportunities to support grassroots homelessness charities was a perfect fit.”
Market Lane has been partnering with CafeSmart since 2021 and, to date, we’ve donated almost $6000 to support their work. One thing we admire and appreciate about the campaign is that StreetSmart seeks out and partners with community organisations and services that are local to the area where funds are being raised – organisations that are often small and underfunded but are doing crucial work to support families, women, migrants, those sleeping rough, and those struggling to make ends meet.
“At StreetSmart, we're all about keeping things local,” Liz says. “Cafes who get on board donate $1 from every coffee sold on CafeSmart Day. These funds are pooled and distributed back into the regions in which they were raised, and help to support people facing homelessness by funding small grassroots community services. This means that a cafe and coffee lover in Melbourne collaborate to make a difference for people in need and charities right there in their local area.”
Friday 16 August 2024 is CafeSmart Day, and Market Lane will be donating $1 from every drink purchased in any of our shops to the campaign. If you’re in Melbourne/Naarm, stop into one of our shops on CafeSmart Day and enjoy a delicious coffee for a great cause!
