CafeSmart organisers are calling on cafés to pre-register for its 2025 campaign, after a successful year of fundraising.
In August 2024, participating cafés donated $1 for every coffee sold on CafeSmart day, raising $210,645 to support homelessness services across the country.
This year’s event saw 800 cafes, 50 roasters, and numerous industry sponsors take part to help fund over 110 grassroots organisations across the country.
In total, CafeSmart 2024 created over $630,800 in social value and directly supported 9366 people in need.
A quarter of the grants funded essential emergency supplies, including hygiene items and swags, while 36 per cent of grants went toward food relief initiatives. Additionally, 15 per cent of grants helped fund housing programs for those in crisis.
Notable contributions include those from Axil Coffee Roasters who raised nearly $400 to provide culturally appropriate food relief, Toby’s Estate who raised $1200 to support women facing homelessness, La Casa Nostra Deli who raised $1060 to fun crisis accommodation responses, and Besser Brew Bar and Laneway Speciality Coffee who raised over $500 to provide showers, laundry and social connection to those sleeping rough.
Meanwhile, Allee Espresso in Warrnambool, Victoria, was crowned the CafeSmart 2024 national fundraising champion, raising more than $4000 to support grassroots programs.
For more information or to get involved, visit the CafeSmart website.
