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\u201cFive dollars covers a large coffee, hot chocolate or chai, $12 covers cake on top of the beverage, and $15 covers a meal.<\/p>\n
\u201cDonors choose from our seven postcard designs, write a message, and the donation value on the back of the card, then those experiencing hardship can choose one of these postcards and use it as payment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local artists were invited by the caf\u00e9 and BENH to contribute new or old colourful designs for the postcards, which not only make them pop on the pay it forward wall, but ensure they\u2019re special for people to keep.<\/p>\n
Creatives Pauline O\u2019Shannessy-Dowling, Kelsie White and Lilly Wright – also A Pot of Courage\u2019s kitchen caf\u00e9 coordinator – have their artwork featured on the postcards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose experiencing hardship can… take home their little piece of artwork, and a message from a caring stranger,\u201d Ms Pilkinton said.<\/p>\n
The postcards can be redeemed any time the caf\u00e9 is open, and some have been designed to allow those giving, or receiving, to colour them in.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot everyone loves chatting or talking, so people can just do a bit of colouring, maybe partake in the conversation, or maybe not,\u201d O\u2019Shannessy-Dowling said.<\/p>\n
\u201cImagine knowing you can go somewhere safe and get a nice warm meal if you\u2019ve hit hard times.\u201d<\/p>\n
White created watercolour pieces specifically for the project in the last lockdown, and scanned O\u2019Shannessy-Dowling\u2019s and Wright\u2019s artworks ahead of card design and printing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was nice to have this project to sink my teeth into. It felt so full-of-heart and lovely to be creative at that time,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve noticed that once people hear about this, they really want to support it, be a part of it, and give back to the community which has faced so much over the last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone can be a part of it, whether receiving or giving, and I\u2019m sure the wall will be soon full of postcards.\u201d<\/p>\n
BENH manager Sarah Greenwood-Smith said the initiative will increase awareness of Barkly Square; the community hub where the Neighbourhood House and caf\u00e9 are based.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps people to know that we\u2019re here, and the services and activities that we offer. The caf\u00e9 is the heart of the building,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re so grateful to the artists for generously donating their beautiful artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WHEN A Pot of Courage Caf\u00e9 signed onto the national Chatty Caf\u00e9 Scheme, the venue ensured it had a large inclusive and accessible \u2018Chatty Table.\u2019 A Pot of Courage Caf\u00e9\u2019s founder and coordinator Shiree Pilkinton said each Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9am to 11am, anyone who\u2019d like to meet new people or combat loneliness is […]<\/p>\n