By Aaron Cordy
MANY people are doing it tough across the country as prices rise and most wages have stagnated. While politicians bandy about words blaming the other side, other countries and ordinary people who are simply trying to make their way in the world and feed their families, there are people who see what is going on and offer what help they can for those in need.
Owner of Coffee Shots at 240 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, Steve Papadatos saw the many people in the community struggling to get a warm meal for themselves and their families and knew he could help. On Friday, June 19, Steve and his team of first-class staff opened Coffee Shots and offered free soup and a regular coffee to anyone in need.
“Since we’ve been open, people have been good to us. People come in; they’re supportive. We get here just after five in the morning, Monday to Friday. At that time in the morning, you see people sleeping rough. Sleeping in Queens Gardens or on the footpath, you see a lot of people walking around that you can tell are doing it tough. We’re in a position where we can do something,” said Steve.
The gesture is not a one off, with Steve and his team all volunteering their time to open Coffee Shots this Friday, July 3 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to offer free pasta to anyone in need. They aim to continue supplying free food fortnightly for those in need for as long as there is a need and it is sustainable, mixing up the variety of food.
“No one wants to struggle. So, if you could help one person, it still makes it worth it. Obviously, we try to help more than one,” said Steve.
“It’s not just come and grab your soup or pasta and go. People can come sit down for half an hour, an hour, whatever they want. Somewhere warm, the heaters are on, it’s not cold, it’s not wet.”
If you or someone you know aren’t certain where your next meal is coming from, Coffee Shots will open its doors this Friday, July 3 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, offering bowls of free pasts for anyone in need.
