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
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
ReplyDeleteHi Grant,
ReplyDeleteI 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
Any chance of a store in ipswich? I'd love to come in and buy some coffee.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a successful venture.
ReplyDeleteMany 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.
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!
ReplyDeleteYou 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
ReplyDeleteHi 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAnd for every nasty comment, I hope you get many more good ones.
You should look at writing a book Grant.
It is truly a great and helpful piece of information.
ReplyDeleteI am satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us.
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