Forum Topic

Suspended Coffee initiative in Ealing ?

Does the so-called 'Suspended Coffee' initiative or movement exist in any of the many coffee outlets in Ealing?I read about this initiative on the ActonW3 forum.

Gerry Tan ● 4635d17 Comments

Not that I know of Gerry.It seems like a good idea but, on reflection, your donation of a hot beverage has to take into account the profit margin being charged by the retailer meaning that, as example a coffee, only a fraction of your 'gift' has any value to the recipient.I think that I would rather retain my 'traditional' methods of giving to those less fortunate.

Nigel Brooks ● 4635d

I agree with Nigel. It sounds very nice and generous in principle but, as he says, you are paying £2+ for someone to have a cup of coffee. They could almost certainly make better use of the two quid.

Susan Kelly ● 4635d

Yes nice idea but the £2+ could be better spent. Also open to abuse, who's to judge who is actually 'needy' enough to receive the coffee. Better they had a collection pot for shelter/crisis and asked for 'the price of' a coffee to be donated, could probably make 10 coffees from it.

Marie Shelny ● 4635d

It's a great idea. I think we can be very good at finding reasons not to give to various charities until there is nothing that we consider is good enough for us to give to and that is a shame.  There is nothing to stop you choosing something else instead of or as well as.It's just a cup of coffee.

Philippa Bond ● 4633d

PhilippaDo read the posts above.Why pay a retailer to give a fraction of the amount you donate to someone in need?Give to a registered charity supporting the cause(s) that you support.You could set up a standing order or direct debit equalling the cost of a cup of coffee and those less fortunate than yourself will benefit rather than a coffee shop.

Nigel Brooks ● 4633d

My thoughts exactly Nigel. This is not a very good way to give to the needy however warm and glowing about themselves it makes a Starbucker feel.

Keith Iddon ● 4633d

I did read the other posts.I still think it is a good way of helping someone to let go of a small amount of money that they would probably not otherwise part with.And as I said in my post there is no reason why it should be instead of giving more directly. In fact you could see it as an introduction to giving in the community.  Now if you want to introduce something else in its place that is better - go ahead.Are you arguing also against buying some extra food for the food bank collection when you go shopping?

Philippa Bond ● 4633d

No argument from me about buying an extra bit of food.However you would be FAR better donating cash to those who run foodbanks or soup kitchens as they get the food at wholesale/free prices and can therefore feed more people for the same money.Giving a coffee shop £2.00 for a coffee that costs them £0.20 makes no sense if you care about the person to whom it is being donated.

Nigel Brooks ● 4633d

i think a suspended coffee (or tea) is an excellent and easy way to make a difference to someone's day.the foodbanks, by the way, collect donations by standing outside supermarkets, and people donate food they've just bought extra, much like a suspended coffee!!

Barbara Karayi ● 4632d

The vast majority of food at foodbanks mes from schools, churches, businesses and individuals donating non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Many supermarkets also donate directly.While a suspended tea or coffee may be an 'easy' gesture it e little, if any difference, to those who are forced to use foodbanks to feed themselves and their families.In addition, the supermarkets (many of which make 'bulk' donations to foodbanks) net margins on food are single digit unlike the average coffee shop where the gross margin approaches 90%, not a great way of giving.

Nigel Brooks ● 4632d

Well that message got 'screwed in the works'.To reiterate:The vast majority of food at food banks comes from schools, churches, businesses and individuals donating non-perishable, in-date food to a food bank. Many supermarkets also donate directly.While a suspended tea or coffee may be an 'easy' gesture it makes little, if any, difference, to those who are forced to use food banks to feed themselves and their families.In addition, the supermarkets (many of which make 'bulk' donations to food banks) gross margins on food are high single digit unlike the average coffee shop where the gross margin approaches 90%Not a great way of giving or making a difference IMHO.

Nigel Brooks ● 4632d

It might make more financial sense in a broad sense not to take part in the suspended coffee initiative. But what about enabling someone who can't afford to buy even a small luxury like a cup of real coffee the pleasure of that luxury. And allowing them - albeit for a short while - to feel that they are part of the world where such things exist.

Sue Rowe ● 4630d

Sue, that is a good point well made.It doesn't change my view but does moderate it.

Nigel Brooks ● 4630d

Yes, it is a very good point.

Susan Kelly ● 4630d

The first time I met the initiative of giving food to a food bank at the supermarket it was at Sainsbury's and the idea was that for every can of something that the customer bought they would donate say another of the same (can't remember the ratio).  That is a better deal than just buying something at the supermarket price and putting it on a collection table for a food bank collector to take away but it is still giving. (Last collection that I came across in Tesco.)Isn't the great problem the fact that not enough people give and that it is often those with the least who give the most?Perhaps a collection box beside the till asking you to put the price of a coffee in for the local food bank as a Buy One Give One Free would appeal more?

Philippa Bond ● 4623d

Agree totally! - was just about to say the same thing - the value goes far beyond the coffee. Making someone feel included in the leisurely little luxuries daily taken for granted by most people - that's invaluable.

Rachel Sanger ● 4622d

With my cynical hat on I wonder how it's tracked and accounted for - what's to stop the cafe itself pocketing or just losing the donations?

Rachel Sanger ● 4622d