Mark and Marianne Taylor owners of Greetings DVD and Coffee Shop, were the first local community focused business to introduce the concept of "Suspended Coffee" in Howick.
This old tradition comes from post war days in Europe when wealthy patrons of cafés would buy themselves a cup of coffee and also buy one (in advance) for a less fortunate person. The tradition was started in Italy after the war and was known as "caffe sospeso" literally translated to suspended coffee and is an anonymous act of charity.
Mark, who manages the shop said the concept is now starting to take off in Howick. Mark says "Everyone is feeling the pinch from the slow economy and if we can help someone who is less fortunate than ourselves then it makes us feel good. We heard about the concept and thought it would be a great idea to share with our Howick community. A lot of the people who come to our coffee shop are pensioners and some are well off and others not. It is a great thing to be able to offer a nice cup of coffee to someone who really needs it.
I believe Howick residents are family orientated with big hearts and they are not immune to seeing those who are less fortunate suffer in these tough times. As a shop owner I see people counting out the coins to buy a small meal and others who go without. I think this is a small way to show we can all make a difference."
Those who buy suspended coffee have it recorded on a log pin up board and if a person comes and asks if there is any suspended coffee, Mark can immediately see whether there are any available. The suspended coffee is takeaway only and does not cover meals unless the donor has specified this. As the manager, Mark will monitor to see if people are taking a chance when asking for a suspended coffee. "It is about spreading goodwill and I am sure the spirit will prevail" says Mark.
Mark says "A cup of coffee is just the thing to put back that warm feeling of comfort into the stomach of someone who may be feeling the pinch, it's a caffeine pickup and a gesture of caring."
Mark and Marianne would also like to encourage other local restaurants to implement the idea. Let us know if you are?
Article and pictures kindly supplied by Mark Taylor.