Happy International Nurses Day! It’s a day we celebrate the nurses in our midst and wow, could we appreciate their work any more than right now, at this point in history?! Actually 2020 is the WHO designated Year of the Nurse, so lets celebrate them all year long - who knows where we would be without them. If you're trying to think of a nice way to say THANKS check out this initiative from local cafe COHAB……
Cohab Coffee on Oxford St, Darlinghurst opened their doors at the end of February and just two weeks later the pandemic was called and the lockdown began. A once bustling Oxford St was deserted and owner Christine Lani-McAllister was wondering how she would keep her business afloat in the foreseeable future.
pay-it-forward for a healthcare worker
A Zoom chat with mates was the catalyst for a new idea - Says Christine “I am literally a stone’s throw from St Vincent’s Hospital and my friends suggested they buy some coffees from me, to give to the nurses there. It was a way to keep my business turning over and say a thank you to the nurses who are such a part of our local community” she said. Now she has also has set up a “pay-it-forward” system (via Instagram and Facebook) where anyone can buy coffee online and donate to healthcare workers. You can also buy soup or a sandwich for locals who access the service Rough Edges.
“Its primarily for people who have recently lost their job, are struggling or can’t access any government assistance,” she says. As of today, when we spoke, more than 1000 coffees, 50 soups and 40 sandwiches had been distributed by Cohab Coffee and Christine says everyone “is really grateful, appreciative and touched by knowing how generous and supportive the community is.”
Cohab Coffee also delivers to locals in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point and Kings Cross. Just $20 each week brings a flat white to you door, daily - delivered in an insulated flask.
“There was a moment weeks ago where I thought I’d have to close my doors. Instead, I’m able to be part of this circle of generosity and Paying it Forward. It’s this story of community and contribution that I’ll never forget when I look back at Covid-19 times,” Christine said.
