Charity-minded Bam Espresso opens in Fortitude Valley
For many, coffee is an everyday luxury – or necessity. But if we put that three or four dollars that we spend on a morning caffeine hit each day towards a good cause, we could make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people. With this in mind local lad Michael Stafford has created Bam Espresso, a hidden coffee shop where you order your coffee and then pop your normal coffee coins into a donations bucket.
All donations received at Bam Espresso go to those in need locally and three major international charities each year. Each cup of coffee you buy from Bam goes towards feeding 3,000 people per month in India through the Akshaya Trust’s Feeding Program, improving healthcare through the Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals, and rescuing children from sexual exploitation with Destiny Rescue. Locally, Michael puts together a food bag, hygiene bag (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and soap) and pillow and blanket bag to be handed out around the city, with 200 of each type helping those less fortunate each month.
Everything in the raw Bam space is recycled, with milk crates fashioned into a barfront, recycled wood panels and pallets transformed into tables and seating, and a secondhand coffee machine to pull Di Bella coffee. The large space has lots of nooks and crannies with greenery dotted about, including a large courtyard outside.
Michael is looking to have more permanent spots for Bam to exist around town, with the second site expected to be in Bakery Lane off Ann Street. Bam doesn’t serve any food, but friends and customers have been known to bake up a storm of sweet or savoury treats for the coffee shop’s counter. Check out the Big Bam BBQ event on Facebook.
Bam Espresso
3 Julia Street, Fortitude Valley
Open: Tueday to Friday 7:30 am to 1:00 pm
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