Cafe gives back to volunteers

Dunsborough cafe Hot Chocolatte has devised a new way to support volunteers by treating them to free coffees donated by the community.

Instead of claiming every 10th coffee for free, customers have been invited to donate their complimentary caffeine to volunteers.

Hot Chocolatte owner Donna Keelty said the initiative aimed to give back to those who gave up their time to serve the community.

“From the fireys to the sea rescuers, these guys are doing what they do for us, no one is paying them,” she said.

“So we decided that we absolutely should do something and get the whole community involved in giving back to our local volunteers.”Ms Keelty said not only did almost everyone donate their free coffee, but people had given money directly in support of the idea.

“We’ve had customers hand over fifties and just tell us it’s for the volunteers,” she said.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services volunteer Phil McCormack said he was “blown away” by the show of support.

“None of us do this for the accolades,” he said.

“Just to get a thank you is enough, and this idea delivers that and more.”