Merrellyn O’Callaghan, Fred Williams and Juditka Bako drum up support for a charity clothing drive.
Camera IconMerrellyn O’Callaghan, Fred Williams and Juditka Bako drum up support for a charity clothing drive. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

Coffee Swapped for Pyjamas

Belinda CiprianoEastern Reporter

Owner Fred Williams said he had always wanted to give back to the community but was unsure of who to help and what to do.

But after a conversation with one of his regular customers, a coffee swap for pyjamas for those less fortunate was decided.

‘I initially wanted to give something back and after consulting with a ‘Beez friend’ together we decided customers who donated a piece of clothing would receive a free cup of coffee,’ he said.

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‘We then met with a representative from Orana House and we identified pyjamas as one of their needs.’

Since starting the campaign, Mr Williams said he had become overwhelmed by the inundation of pyjamas.

‘The response from the community so far has been fantastic,’ he said.

‘It proves that Bayswater really does have a strong and entrenched community spirit.

‘Our target is quite high and we are hoping by the end of the campaign we will have received more than 160 pairs.’

Mr Williams said the campaign would finish on December 22.

He hoped it would be the first of many.

The cafe opened in July 2013 and serves home-style cooking with a focus on fresh and healthy options and coffee.