This year during Anti-Poverty Week Taste Buds, Cowra is proud to support the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s “Cost of a Coffee” appeal.
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Anti-Poverty week was established in Australia as an expansion of the UN's annual International Anti-Poverty Day on October 17.
It is a week where all Australians are encouraged to organise or take part in an activity aiming to highlight or overcome issues of poverty and hardship here in Australia or overseas, including strengthening public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship and encourage research, discussion and action to address those problems.
Homelessness and poverty isn’t just about those who are visibly struggling on the streets.
- Jack de Groot
From October 16 through to October 22, Vinnies NSW is calling on coffee lovers, while ordering their favourite beverage, to donate the cost of that coffee to help improve the lives of those living in poverty.
Across Australia over 2.5 million people are living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet.
Every night over 100,000 people experiencing homelessness are sleeping in unsuitable conditions and sadly these numbers are growing.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2014 to 2015 23 per cent of those using specialist homelessness services were Indigenous Australians, despite making up only 3% of the Australian population.
The Institute also reported that 36 per cent who used specialist homelessness services reported experiencing domestic and family violence, 329 requests for assistance were unable to be met each day.
St Vincent de Paul NSW CEO, Jack de Groot, said the issue wasn’t just about those who could be seen visibly struggling.
“Homelessness and poverty isn’t just about those who are visibly struggling on the streets, it also affects women fleeing domestic violence and living in hostels, children whose parents are living in a car, those suffering from ongoing health problems, and many more,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to visit local participating coffee shops and donate, as the cost of just one coffee fix could feed someone struggling to afford basics like a nutritious dinner”.
Mr De Groot also said “If just 10 people donate during the appeal, it could provide an hour of counselling to a woman fleeing an abusive relationship who has nothing to her name.
“So many people can be helped... for the cost of a coffee”.
To share your support, take a photo of your coffee use #forthecostofacoffee or tag @vinniesnsw