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Friday, August 30, 2013

Having a Go Coffee


I’m sitting here feeling very proud of myself right now. You see it was only about 3 years ago I was homeless and trying to get on my feet, in some way get my life back in order or normal so to speak. Just now I’ve been thinking of all the good things I’ve done. I have helped so many people one on one and through my homeless BBQ’s which helps so many. I have seen people not just get back on their feet but really amaze me as to how much. Some going back to families which to me is priceless knowing I had a part in it.

But I have to say I’ve helped many that have “crashed and burned” so to speak which means I have helped them and in time will need to help again, I guess it’s about when their ready or I didn’t have the right contacts or help.

For a long time now I’ve been putting together homeless BBQ’s every 2 months is good and I think I’m helping a lot of people, but I also thought that helping people to do a complete circle so to speak is better, I have wrote before about putting coffee shops/carts together. Well I’m proud to say I have opened my first one. “Having a Go Coffee” at 262 Old Cleveland Rd Coorparoo.

We have our Grand Opening tomorrow the 31st of August from 8:30am. This shop is the first of 50 in Brisbane that’s going to be employing only people from homelessness or hardship. The way it’s going to work is I help them with whatever they need to get on their feet and give training and employment. For some even traineeships. This is very exciting because it’s their first or second chance at life again.

I’ve set this up so that every cup sold 20cents goes towards Signal Flare which is the charity that we do the Homeless BBQ’s. So this means I’ll be helping people to get on their feet and every time they make a coffee they are helping others at the BBQ’s. I have to say this inspires me because I love the idea of helping people and later they help others as well.

Now that’s all great with what I’ve put together, but all the stores will do Suspended Coffee’s or Suspended Coffee & Muffin’s which means when people come into the store you can also buy a coffee or coffee and muffin for a homeless or person in need. That’s awesome.

Right now I’m thinking of some of the people I’ve meet when I was homeless and since. Most saying positive things and how I can get back on my feet, and then there’s the umm (thinking of nice way to put it) jerks that have spat on me, yelled abuse “Get a job you bum” e.g. I really wish both sides could see me now. I wasn’t a bum I just was hitting hard times with injuries and things.

I have such a new outlook on life and I hope I can inspire and helpers to as well.

Please come to the newest coffee shop and check it out.

Grant Richards

Grant the Polite Guy

0412 190 011

12 comments:

  1. wow that's so inspiring Grant..You really have come a long way and helped so many while travelling your own journey.. If I cant make it to your opening tomorrow I wish you all the best for the day and I will come by and grab a coffee when I'm next in Brisbane..Good luck and have an awesome opening day.. Annette

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  2. Hi Grant,
    I have missed you on Twitter and have been wondering how you were going. Congrats on the new venture, I wish you every success and will make a point of dropping in there for a coffee sometime
    BrissieDeb

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  3. Any chance of a store in ipswich? I'd love to come in and buy some coffee.

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  4. Best wishes for a successful venture.
    Many people benefit from receiving a hand up instead of a hand out. This is truly worthwhile. Some people may need help twenty or thirty times though before it really works for them; they may have been knocked down countless times before you met them.
    Others have learned to bleed dry the systems in place. You might have to set some limits or you could find yourself becoming a victim instead of a champion.

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  5. This is so wonderful! My mum actually works nearby (upstairs I think) and she's come home and told me all about your work, how awesome it is, and she tells all of her students and their parents as well. It's such a great initiative. I'm looking forward to dropping past and grabbing a coffee!

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  6. You are so freakin' awesome...my fiancee and I would love to know how we can help. We have collected some clothing and from those of our families. We are going to my dad's 70th this weekend but we are coming your way next weekend. We would really love to know what more we can do to help and get behind you. You rock

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  7. Hi Grant , People certainly admire someone who is having a go. My wife and I dropped in for a coffee on Saturday morning and were very impressed with your enthusiasm to get your meaningful project moving. Nice coffee and personal touch by yourself and helpers . We intend to come back on a regular basis as we enjoyed the experience . warm regards Tom & Sue hardy

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  8. I am not sure why people feel the need to say nasty things, at least you aren't in an office with people doing that to you daily.

    And for every nasty comment, I hope you get many more good ones.

    You should look at writing a book Grant.

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