Sacrificing just one takeaway coffee a week has enabled a former rough sleeper to contribute thousands of dollars to charities, while also fostering a sense of community in Laurieton, New South Wales. Graham Lee, who spent years living on the streets, was inspired during a regular coffee gathering with friends on the NSW Mid North Coast.
“I said, ‘Look, if we drink 10 cups of coffee a week, drink nine and put five bucks in the tin,’ and that’s how it started,” Lee explained. From this simple idea, the $5 Coffee Club was born—a registered charity that has donated approximately $40,000 to local charities since its inception in 2022.
Combating Social Isolation
The $5 Coffee Club’s mission extends beyond fundraising. It aims to tackle social isolation by hosting weekly “coffee, cake and chat” sessions at a local Anglican church. Nathan Killick, the senior minister at Camden Haven Anglican Church, emphasized the importance of these gatherings in addressing what has been termed a “loneliness epidemic.”
A recent report by Beyond Blue highlights that 46% of respondents view loneliness as a more significant mental health stressor than financial hardship. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) supports this, noting in a 2023 survey that 15% of Australians aged 15 and over experience social isolation.
Inspiration from Queensland
Brian Giles-Browne, a committee member of the charity, noted that the idea for the chat sessions was inspired by a similar “courtyard coffee” program in Warwick, Queensland. He observed that older residents, particularly in retirement communities, often face social isolation.
“We live in a shire with one of the largest retiree populations in NSW, and many retirees aren’t socializing,” Giles-Browne said. “In Laurieton, we saw that many, especially women, were living alone and rarely seen socializing.”
Building Friendships Over Coffee
Graham Lee, now a business owner and recently married, shared that the sessions have been instrumental in sparking new friendships. “There’s a guy here who was in a really bad spot two months ago, and now he has accommodation and is doing really well,” he noted.
Tom Binks, a participant, shared his positive experience: “We are relatively new to this district and have no family close by. It’s been good to catch up with people.” Linda Hudson echoed this sentiment, appreciating the opportunity to meet others outside her home environment.
Donna Giles-Browne, who helps with the sessions, finds joy in contributing. “I go into my recipe books and pull out all sorts of recipes … this is lovely, it’s great,” she said.
Looking Forward: A Community Christmas
The charity is now gearing up for a free community lunch on Christmas Day, offering companionship and a hearty meal. “We have a pair of caterers who have offered to put on a full roast dinner … just to bring people out of their homes to share,” Giles-Browne announced. “We have about a dozen volunteers ready to serve.”
This initiative not only provides a festive meal but also strengthens the community bonds that the $5 Coffee Club has been nurturing. As the charity continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of small sacrifices and community spirit in transforming lives.
