LIMESTONE Coast celebrities will be roll up their sleeves and serve coffee for charity on December 14 for the Mount Gambier-based Spare Ya Change for Kids charity’s Change Day event.
The not-for-profit organisation has catered approximately 3000 meals to vulnerable children since its inception 18 months ago.
A chef by trade, founder Don Pratt said the charity held a Christmas party for disadvantaged youths, catering for the attendees through funds raised from recycled bottles and cans.
“We have held the party at Melaleuca Park Primary School for the past two years,” Mr Pratt said.
“This was the school my six siblings and I attended so in a way, I am able to give back.
“Myself and co-founders Samuel Johnston and Toni Vorenas realised there was more of a need so we became involved with the school through its breakfast program.”
Mr Pratt said plans were in place to eventually cater for all schools in the region.
“We want to create a sustainable community model which sources its funds from recycling of deposit worthy cans and bottles, which would come from individuals, organisations and businesses,” he said.
“This then leads to a team of local chefs and volunteers turning this recycling income into nutritious meals for school children.
Held next month, Mr Pratt said Change Day will raise funds for the charity in a bid to establish a distribution centre.
“We will have 16 local legends from the business, political and council community who will come along to Metro Bakery and Cafe for the day to serve as waiters,” Mr Pratt said.
“The idea is to spare your change to make a change and anything we raise from the day will go towards feeding the kids.
“At the moment we are comfortably providing for one school and want to expand on that.”
Participants on the day include Lynette Martin, Ben Hood, Di Ind, Tony Pasin, Tom Kosch, Bryce Roberts, Harriet Keatley, Frank Morello, Taffy Burchell, Talie Teakle, Fiona Paltridge, Kylie Smith, Chris Edmonds, Matt Foreman, Eddie Sakkers and Aaron Davis.
“We wanted people who would not normally serve you coffee or be seen working in the service industry,” Mr Pratt said.
Change Day will be held at Metro Bakery and Cafe, with participants serving each hour in pairs from 9am until 5pm.
A raffle will be held on the day for a hand-painted surfboard donated by South East surfer and artist Jeremy Ievins with tickets available for purchase from the cafe at $20 each.
