Artisan, a group of four successful coffee shops in South West London and a training school, is giving back to the Ugandan community which inspired its success. Thanks to help from industry friends who have donated their services and supplies for free, a Donation Day will take place on Wednesday 7th September, 2016. Instead of payment, customers are asked to make donations in the hope of raising £10,000 across all four locations. The money raised will help further develop the local vocational educational college the owners first helped to build whilst volunteering in the region.
In a wonderful demonstration of generosity within the coffee industry, all of Artisan’s suppliers have donated their supplies for free that day including Allpress (coffee), Allan Reader (milk/diary), Seven Seeded (pastries and bread) The Artisan Bakery (muffins) and Cake Lovers Ltd (cakes). Even their own energetic staff will donate their time and work for free for this event at their sites in Putney, Stamford Brook, Ealing and East Sheen.
The proceeds will go directly to a small local community charity – LIDEFO (Liberty Development Foundation) whose aim is to economically empower people and offer quality services that enhance income-generating activities and sustainable rural livelihoods. Artisan owners Edwin and Magda Harrison undertook a year’s voluntary work with the charity to develop a sustainable business model to train local beekeepers as well as help raise money and build Liberty College.
From one class outside a tree and 30 students to four teaching rooms on their own property, the college currently teaches over 200 students providing more opportunities for the youth and women aged between 18-30 providing them with certificates and diplomas in various fields such as journalism, accountancy, catering and hotel management and tourism to name a few. The funds raised from Artisan’s Donation Day will help build another storey and four classrooms on top of the existing build.
“The vision and passion of one local Daniel, to create a local charity and drive forward, despite every challenge and rejection possible, to help the poorest communities inspired us to dream and think big” says Artisan owner Edwin Harrison. “It was here whilst working with the charity by the Ugandan coffee fields we developed and planned the vision for Artisan so naturally we wanted to pay thanks to the roots of our inspiration. We are truly humbled and grateful at the support we’ve received to ensure that all proceeds go direct to this much needed charity close to our hearts”.
For further information on the Artisan the locations for Donation Day click here
For more information on LIDEFO Charity click here