By Hayley Gastmeier
Coffee sales in Martinborough are to help boost the earthquake relief efforts for Kaikoura.
On Saturday, $1 from every cup of coffee sold at participating cafes will be donated to The Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.
Behind the initiative is Martinborough nurse Trish Higginson, who sympathises with the tourism town, which was most affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled the country earlier this month.
“It really hit home to us here because we’re a small community like Kaikoura, similar size, we could easily be cut off with the hill, with the bridge, in a similar sort of earthquake situation,” Mrs Higginson said.
“We’re watching the news every night and seeing what they’re going through, the fact that there’s still no access, so we think money is the best way we can help and give our support.”
Following the Nepal earthquake last year, The Village Cafe owner Bruce Laurence contributed a full day’s coffee profits to the relief efforts.
This is what inspired Mrs Higginson to rally Martinborough businesses together for Kaikoura in its time of need.
Mr Laurence was more than happy to support the cause.
“It could easily happen to us and the impact is huge, so all or any help is important.”
He encourages people to “come and drink coffee” on Saturday.
Local businesses on board to date include: Neighbourhood Coffee, The Village Cafe, Medici, Oh My Goodness, Kitchener’s Dairy, Providore, Pinocchio, and Martinborough Hotel.
Even Christchurch’s The Black and White Coffee Cartel have got on board.
“It would be great to see other towns in the region joining in as well,” Mrs Higginson said.
Red Cross donation buckets will be at all the participating cafes on the day, as well as at the Sharona Craig pop up shop at Cabbage Tree Vineyard.
Mrs Higginson said any other businesses that wanted to get on board could contact her (027 697 9229) to arrange for a donation bucket.
