M56
Suspended coffee
November 22 2014
Comments
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quite common in the cafes surrounding my business in Surry Hills
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MissBishere
11 years ago
i have heard of this before. I would love to know of places in Brisbane that do this so I could buy some.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Havent seen any local coffee shops advertising the idea .
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RHP User
11 years ago
Dont get me wrong for Im all for charity. I actually donate $50 per month to Amnesty that is automatically drawn from my bank account. There are many forms of rip offs. Just cause its a retailer doensnt mean that it couldnt be some sort of scam. Like does it use those cashed in coffee vouchers to prwesentto the tax office as a charitable donation ??Im most probably wrong, but like you OP I am weary of giving cash to so called beggers.
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RHP User
11 years ago
ideally, you could go to any coffee shop or take away shop and give them some money to pay for someone who cant...
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MsJonesy
11 years ago
But I have heard of suspended meals. That has been occurring for awhile overseas, not sure how much in Australia though.
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RHP User
11 years ago
that's numbers MAN, Ruby!! :-P - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
Another good idea...if not already, hopefull it catches on here! - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
Rather than give money to a begger to buy what he wants, you give the money to a business so you can guarantee he only gets what you want in the fear that someone who has money will rip you off that very same money by begging on the street. What next? Should they sweep the ground beneath you feet as walk to be worthy of your generous compassionate heart felt gift. I see that charity and compassion are a lost concept for some. That has got to be one off the lowest things I have ever read on these forums.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Funny story for you..... Friends of mine in New York last week, she and her daughter in mid 20's, off to the supermarket to buy a few bits n pieces for dinner, see yet another beggar outside the store, so the daughter offers him a couple of fresh apples. Basically he threw them back her and said "I dont want any of this crap! I want a McDonalds!" *true story
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RHP User
11 years ago
I don't specifically know of any businesses in my area who are active in Suspended Coffees. And I've never heard of needing a voucher before. . But the page I'm following on facebook, and I've just realised there are quite a few, lists itself as a Community Organisation. I appreciate the amazing stories of human kindnesses in my news feed every day. . Woohoo! And thanks to you, I've discovered an Australian site and facebook page. The latest fb post shows one of the venues as offering a bowl of soup as part of their Suspended Coffee program. The site lists all the venues involved in each state. It asks if anyone knows of places taking part in Suspended Coffee so they can add them to the website. . Peachy
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RHP User
11 years ago
I relegate my previous comments as uninformed.Shall I see a business that does have that displayed then Ill be more inclined to donate.:)
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RHP User
11 years ago
So now I can donate to my ISP so that people can have free data to browse the web to find their free coffee and free soup... Marvelous idea that, I'll get right onto it... 👎 Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it...
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RHP User
11 years ago
More for the supporters I would say HP, some of who would then network the info to those who needed it?
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RHP User
11 years ago
Lots of people of no fixed abode who have mobi's... It's all just another lifestyle choice, they are rarely out of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, after all, if you're not paying rent, what else is there to spend your dole on ? Food and clothing provided by charities... Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it...
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RHP User
11 years ago
While I'm sure there's some truth to what you say HP, I know it's not all as simple as that. . And this thread is about Suspended Coffee.
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RHP User
11 years ago
A local vegan cafe provides suspended peace pies,another local business provides the opportunity to donate swags to an organisation supporting homeless young people xxFreya
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Smilingwithfun
11 years ago
As simple as that. To collect the dole you have to have a permanent address. You need to have a person willing to let you use there address as a mailing address.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Mental illness is not a life style choice. Sleeping on cold streets is not a life style choice. Carrying everything you own on your body, dirty unwashed, thread bear, constantly hungry is not a lifestyle choice. They are human, they cry, feel pain, want love as much as all of us. There is no solution they will always exist, don't try to fix the problem, just help them ease their pain with some compassion and respect.
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RHP User
11 years ago
a lot of homeless people have addictions and mental health issues and DO NOT collect the 'dole', as you say they do. Judge less, empathize more ;)
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RHP User
11 years ago
Its the meals and a bed one must have.
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RHP User
11 years ago
You don't think these people network ? I'll grant you that the ones living on the streets are the bottom of the pile, but they get through with the help of their mates the "housos" they are the next up the ladder... And sad to say that housos isn't really too much of an exaggeration... Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it...
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kimarianne
11 years ago
MissB72Plenty on Montague Rd West End does suspended coffee
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RHP User
11 years ago
The "Half Way' houses use to have a carers in them, looking out for the mentally ill who lived in them. Now they don't have carers in these houses and as a result - I believe anyway - there are more and more beggers/homeless on the streets. The system is letting us down.. Governments need to be more accountable instead of slashing funding where we need it most. WHo on earth made the decision that the menatlly ill can look after themselves.... Back to the OP's post - I have not seen any here in WA but you do we Wait Awhile for anything to happen over here.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Yep ! Gotta make sure the homeless people get their double mocha chai latte ... & if we buy them a coffee , we don't have to worry anymore . We've done our bit for the homeless and we can sleep easy . GG♒️ - Posted from rhpmobile
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RHP User
11 years ago
How did a forum so positive become about people who make the "lifestyle choice" of being homeless dole bludgers? Bottom of the pile?! Seriously HP? And yambadaze: Yes, the homeless love a coffee too, what is wrong with that? Should they maybe get a job first, so they can afford one without bludging off others? As for the OP: I absolutely love the initiative, though I've not heard of people needing vouchers.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Pretty common in Europe...great idea, sort of instilling a bit more 'giving' in society, countering the 'I' culture that seems to be the current paradigm.
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RHP User
11 years ago
I've seen a few in Freo (where else !) I think coffee is a bit naff, a sandwich or soup would be more meaningful surely ?
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RHP User
11 years ago
I certainly don't disagree with people being kind to people who are in less fortunate circumstances and yes even homeless enjoy a coffee as well but maybe its just me but the thing I just can't get my head around .... isn't there something of more priority and useful than a cup of coffee like food, shelter, meaningful employment, access to medical help required like mental heath and substance addition and so on. Cheers, W.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Araps' isn't there something of more priority and useful than a cup of coffee like food, shelter, meaningful employment, access to medical help required like mental heath and substance addition and so on. I agree that in general the homeless are in more need of food, shelter, work and other support, but must most of us aren't able to provide these things for them in a direct way.If you can make a homeless person feel like someone cares, and maybe make their day just a little better, then isn't that worth it?(To those who do give food or buy someone in need a meal: Kudos to you, you rock.)
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RHP User
11 years ago
Yes i have seen suspended coffee in NSW i bought 4,,would like to know who got them
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'SENSSOUOUS' Yes i have seen suspended coffee in NSW i bought 4,,would like to know who got them Yes there is always more we can do,,food shelter support employment ,,A coffee is a few $s so all good
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6exxy
11 years ago
When there was a huge homeless problem in LA a friend of mine would buy a bag of oranges and hand them out as he drove around instead of money.The homeless would come up to the car and this was his way of handling the situation.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Of course just a coffee is not enough but if it prompts us to do something positive for another with no reward for ourselves except the pleasure in the act of giving....then is that not a positive thing...."The interest of others is the best form of self interest"....the Dalai Lama...xxFreya
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RHP User
11 years ago
Perhaps George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London might give you some insight....there is an old saying...There but for the grace of God go I xx Freya
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RHP User
11 years ago
has been attributed to John Bradford a sixteenth century Protestant martyr...he had just passed a group of prisoners xx Freys
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RHP User
11 years ago
I think the common misconception on this thread is that Suspended Coffee is just about coffee. Yes, meals can also be purchased too. But it's also about a state of mind in this igeneration we're living in. . I like the incredibly simple idea that my contribution is going to go a cup of coffee, or WHATEVER, and there won't be a pile of paperwork and costs thrown on top. How much of 'charity' goes to the running of it. . There are many successful programs to support and raise homeless people out of their slump going on in the world. And they don't cost the Earth.
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Seachange73
11 years ago
It shits me that some people view the homeless and/or people with mental issues as the bottom of the pile in our society. How judgmental are you and who gave you the license to deem them as such? Really? Hope that makes you feel better. Geez, I know some homeless or near homeless families through my occasional volunteer work with a women's shelter in my affluent bayside area with a community based NGO. I volunteer about 4hours a month in teaching the women basic skills in life management (budgeting), cooking, healthy eating choices and even some basic computer skills like using WORD, using the Internet, etc. The women are either suffering or recovering from substance drug abuse, mostly are victims of domestic violence and other crimes on women perpetuated by some men here can not imagine and thus will never empathize. this is not a man bashing post but just pointing out a tiny neglected minority of our society who have been 'cast aside' like last months leftovers. It is a sad story being told over and over from what seems to be the same woman with different faces. They are stripped of their self respect and confidence as they have been told over and over that they are no more shit than the turd that the local dogs left steaming behind in the footpath. that they told are 'THE BOTTOM OF THE PILE' and not worth the air they breath. After a while, they believe this and they embroil themselves in a self destructive path and consequently, affect their children's lives. The shelter was set up to provide women a place to escape for a couple of hours at least, while their children are babysat for free by volunteer women. The coffee and cakes are baked by the locals, and a few local cafes 'anonymously' donate some healthy good food to these families for lunches. A new program is being trialled, that they are encouraged to attend the sessions as much as they can, talk to the volunteer mental health professional and even we started 'excursions' and go op shopping and food shopping as part of their budgeting program. The local cafes are approached to donate 'vouchers' which can be used for a coffee and cake. The women are waited on and serve by the staff very well and for that time being, they feel good about themselves. they laugh, they chat, some are quiet but most are definitely listening. For a while, their dignity as human beings is restored and you can see something shine through their pained and wary faces. The organisation hope that we can build trust on that first steps towards building self-confidence and dignity and perhaps one day, enough for these women to break the cycle they are in, WHEN they see THEY ARE WORTH IT. Put your money where your mouth is. Talk the talk, walk the walk if you think you are worth it.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Too far away and the culture is not me really. I much prefer inner city.
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Seachange73
11 years ago
Quoting 'Blindman67' Mental illness is not a life style choice. Sleeping on cold streets is not a life style choice. Carrying everything you own on your body, dirty unwashed, thread bear, constantly hungry is not a lifestyle choice. They are human, they cry, feel pain, want love as much as all of us. There is no solution they will always exist, don't try to fix the problem, just help them ease their pain with some compassion and respect. I concur. Well said Blindman. Why is this thread going south? it is such a great idea of people supporting other people in need, showing compassion and instilling dignity back into those who have lost their way. What they need is a helping hand getting back up to their feet, a metaphorically and literally, and perhaps we can temporarily shoulder their burden for little while. There are more important things in life worth living outside the walls of RHP. Looking after our community is just one of them.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Missb72' i have heard of this before. I would love to know of places in Brisbane that do this so I could buy some. but an even better profile pic... MissB you have a hot ass..
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'SENSSOUOUS' Yes i have seen suspended coffee in NSW i bought 4,,would like to know who got them the true measure of a persons kindness is their willingness to help those who cannot repay them -(or something like that as the saying goes). So does it matter who they go to if you're genuinely doing it out of the goodness of your heart? just saying is all, btw nice work buying the coffees
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Meander' If you can make a homeless person feel like someone cares, and maybe make their day just a little better, then isn't that worth it? Interesting point Mea :-)
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MissBishere
11 years ago
thanks lostboy...
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RHP User
11 years ago
“We enter a little coffee house with a friend of mine and give our order. . While we’re approaching our table, two people come in and they go to the counter. . ‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended.’ . They pay for their order, take the two and leave. . I ask my friend: ‘What are those ‘suspended’ coffees?’ ‘Wait for it and you will see.’ . Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. . The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers – three for them and four ‘suspended’. . While I still wonder what’s the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees, I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. . Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks, ‘Do you have a suspended coffee?’ . It’s simple – people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.”
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RHP User
11 years ago
This is a lovely idea. Someone gets a coffee without having to beg. Yep, I wish I knew if there are places in Darwin. Peachy can you send me a link to the FB page please??? I work in the homelessness sector and I've worked in human services for the best part of 26 years, often with people living in poverty. I've been homeless and I've lived in poverty and there were times when I simply couldn't afford a cup of coffee (I was working, the NGO sector has never been the highest paying jobs). To know I could go somewhere and ask a simple question and get a treat like a capuccino would have been very welcome. I do give money to random strangers when I can and I don't think buying a coffee for someone who might not be able to afford it is patronising or trite. Though if you want to do something more "meaningful" donate to a community housing organisation so they can grow their stock numbers and house more people on low incomes. Get a group of your friends or your workplace to make a monthly pledge. You could help house a person experiencing homelessness. I'm loving the positive responses, the judgemental ones tell me much about the individual.
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Seachange73
11 years ago
So nice to see you posting again. I am touched by the honesty of your post. It is very comforting to hear from people like yourself who still value humanity above the chase for material wealth and immediacy of the sexual gratification one derives here. Despite the remuneration is incommensurate to the efforts (time and material), the dedication generosity in spirit and the big hearts of the volunteers in these organisations are truly admirable. Very humbling and continually teaching me new life lessons - putting my petty issues and whinging in perspective. I have seen that the worst wounds are those we can not see - mental. A lot of people drag them like invisible anchors that stunts their potential. In my volunteer work, I realised that some of the recipients are a lot stronger than I, as I do not know how they go thru life, day in day out, shouldering the burden and the pain. Yes, the disgusting self-serving negative attitudes towards the disadvantaged truly reveals the 'real' person behind the facade one wants to believe they are. Just plain UGLY. However, thanks for the suggestions on further helping others. I am sure some people would be taking that away and think about it.
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RHP User
11 years ago
The author, John Sweeney is from Cork, Ireland, and is the Founder and CEO of Suspended Coffees (SC).. Why Thousands Are Saying 'It's About More Than the Coffee'. On the 27th of March 2013, I was stressed, unable to sleep, and worried about putting food on the table. The economic crisis had hit me hard, just like so many others around the world. I was an unemployed husband and father who had made it this far, through following the direction of others. Now I had responsibilities, no work, nobody to tell me how to make a change for the better and was terrified by the uncertainty. It was yet another night that I just couldn't sleep. It was then, at 2:30a.m., that I first read about a tradition born in the working class cafés of Naples, Italy, where people would advance purchase a coffee for someone in need.. Mark Twain said that the two most important days in your life are the day that you are born, and the day that you discover why. In that moment, sitting at my computer in the dark, I had discovered my "why." In a moment of inspiration, I set up a Facebook page calledSuspended Coffees, encouraging people to commit to paying it forward through simple acts of kindness.. What followed was beyond anything I had ever dreamed: the beginning of a global social movement. Before I knew it, we had over a quarter of a million followers on social media and 1800 cafés around the world that signed up to offer it in their businesses. The idea of spreading a little kindness had gone a very long way.. I may not have appreciated the importance of kindness had I not experienced the lack of it. I grew up in a small town in Ireland, where I was faced with bullying, both physical and emotional violence and feelings of isolation. All my life I'd been told that I wasn't good enough and I'd never amount to anything. I had been a scared and lonely child, and those taunts had stayed with me into my adult life.. But the love and support of my immediate family and the hundreds of thousands around the world who support theSuspended Coffeesmovement have given me the courage to make this my mission in life: To promote the idea that we all have worth, we all have importance, and big or small, we can all make a difference.. Today, these simple acts of kindness are spreading around the world. Every single day more and more inspiring stories are sent to us by people who are making the world around them a little brighter. Sometimes it's through the purchase of a meal. At other times it's taking a moment to help somebody, whether it's helping to change a flat tyre, giving someone a ride, or taking a meal over to a sick friend. And sometimes it's as simple as a smile and a friendly chat.. There is no act of kindness too small to help restore our faith in humanity, and that is what we're about at Suspended Coffees. We can make all the difference in the world.
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RHP User
11 years ago
You are a peach for sharing this. Love ya girl x
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RHP User
11 years ago
Nowhere in the Northern Territory come to think of it, its hard to get a decent coffee in Darwin. The place that sold the best coffees changed owners. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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RHP User
11 years ago
Speaking of homelessness, do a search on the Commonground model of social housing to address homelessness. I love it. Its a mixed model of housing that supports people who have experienced chronic homelessness by wrapping services around them in their new home (Housing first approach) and it is also available to people on low incomes who don't have support needs. There are some great personal stories on the Tasmanian Commonground website of people on low incomes who value add to the unit complex they live in by doing groupwork and teaching literacy skills. The success rate in keeping people housed is incredible. It started in the US, SA was the first state in Australia to adopt it and now almost every state and Territory has at least one Commonground model in operation (NT and WA are the exceptions.) Anyone in WA who knows of one, please correct me if I am wrong. I know if I ever get to the place I was in Tasmania before I left and when I first arrived here, working for a pittance and struggling to survive, I would apply to live in a Commonground model or some other model of community housing.
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Seachange73
11 years ago
Quoting 'kimarianne' MissB72Plenty on Montague Rd West End does suspended coffee Good to know. On my last business trip to Brisbane, I did go for early morning runs from my Southbank hotel to the West End and really was an interesting run each time along Boundary Road (bloody hilly). A huge congregation of homeless people around the little shopping centre parking lot off Boundary Road (Coles or Safeway?) or the Kebab place on the corner, so early in the morn. They were huddled together with coffees in their hands to keep the cold abay. I made visits to the Roundabout Cafe for coffee or brekky on my way back from my runs to my hotel This area reminded me of Fitzroy in Melbourne. But I was not aware if this cafe was affliated with SC. Next time I'm in Brisbane for work, I will look these places up and place my suspended coffee orders. thanks.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Highpriority' So now I can donate to my ISP so that people can have free data to browse the web to find their free coffee and free soup... Marvelous idea that, I'll get right onto it... 👎 Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it... "It's easier to get free WiFi than it is to get free water and people act like nothing is wrong with the world"
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'Araps' I certainly don't disagree with people being kind to people who are in less fortunate circumstances and yes even homeless enjoy a coffee as well but maybe its just me but the thing I just can't get my head around .... isn't there something of more priority and useful than a cup of coffee like food, shelter, meaningful employment, access to medical help required like mental heath and substance addition and so on. Cheers, W. Absolutely W, so how much do you donate to that? Do you donate your time? What are you doing.... Not sure why people feel so begrudging over a cup of coffee. Only 30-35% of working Australians donate some of their money to worth causes. Pretty piss poor really.
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RHP User
11 years ago
I am a sucker for homeless people with dogs. Usually stop and have a chat and give to the dog. There is the regular homeless dude that hangs out at Pitt Street mall in Sydney most days. He has a little dog. One night about a year ago some drunk yahoos thought it would be funny to try and kick the dog so it ran away. The homeless man wanted to find him and someone started a Facebook campaign about it. The doggy was found and is back with the homeless guy. But I saw that man the next day. I seriously have never ever seen so much utter misery on one person's face in my whole life. I had to walk away because I had tears in my eyes.... still tear up thinking about it. Tired rambling about nothing sorry peeps.
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'MrsPeachyPear' Quoting 'Highpriority' So now I can donate to my ISP so that people can have free data to browse the web to find their free coffee and free soup... Marvelous idea that, I'll get right onto it... 👎 Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it... "It's easier to get free WiFi than it is to get free water and people act like nothing is wrong with the world" Spot on!
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RHP User
11 years ago
Quoting 'MrsPeachyPear' There is no act of kindness too small to help restore our faith in humanity, and that is what we're about at Suspended Coffees. We can make all the difference in the world. Exactly!
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RHP User
8 years ago
Quoting 'Rubi_Rose' Quoting 'MrsPeachyPear' Quoting 'Highpriority' So now I can donate to my ISP so that people can have free data to browse the web to find their free coffee and free soup... Marvelous idea that, I'll get right onto it... 👎 Hp xo💋 Because you're worth it... "It's easier to get free WiFi than it is to get free water and people act like nothing is wrong with the world" Spot on!
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