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 individuals and families in need of food, emergency relief, and safe and secure accommodation.
“Since 2011, CafeSmart has grown into a beloved annual event," 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 over $8500 to support their work. Something we deeply admire and appreciate about the campaign is that StreetSmart seeks out and partners with community organisations and services that are super local to the area where funds are being raised.
"At StreetSmart, we're all about keeping things local," Liz says. "This means that a cafe and coffee lover in Melbourne collaborate to make a difference for people in need and charities in their local area.
"CafeSmart partners with small but mighty organisations that provide emergency aid, housing support, food relief, employment pathways, mental health services and much more, ensuring funds create real, lasting impact for people facing homelessness."
Friday 8 August 2025 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 an important cause!
