By Gabriella Payne
We’ve all had a rough couple of years, but during these difficult times, locals have taken it upon themselves to go above and beyond to support one another in whatever way they can.
Wanting to give back to those doing it tough and also support her favourite local cafe, Pakenham resident Cait Benton decided to ‘pay it forward’ for the community by pre-paying 50 coffees at local eatery, Tea for 2 Cafe.
Ms Benton, a finance broker and the director of Inspire Home and Asset Loans in Pakenham, said that she felt lucky to have had stable work throughout the pandemic and she hoped this small act of kindness would help put a spring in peoples’ steps.
“I have been extremely fortunate during Covid times to have not been impacted as a business owner, so that is what sparked my initial plan as to how can I give back to those who are in need,” Ms Benton said.
“We are all a team in these crazy times and those who have not been as fortunate deserve the support where possible.
“I wanted to give people a little ‘pick me up’ to hopefully put a smile on their faces.
“Tea for 2 is also my favourite little cafe and I knew times had not been easy for them, so wanted to do what I could.
“I was hoping too that the more people that tried their coffees and realised how great they are, will hopefully create more business for the cafe,” she said – a win-win for everyone!
Ms Benton said that she thought it was incredibly important to help support local family-run businesses like Tea for 2, as they had faced some really challenging times throughout the pandemic.
“So many businesses and people have done it tough for so long and although some may not have been impacted, I feel that is where we have the ability to (more so than ever) help those around us who need it,” she said.
“I am a very big believer of giving back and the last thing I ever want is businesses (especially my favourites) struggling.
“It wasn’t much, but hopefully was something to show we are all in this together.”
Ms Benton wanted to thank every single person who had helped support her small business throughout the pandemic and now that restrictions are beginning to ease, she couldn’t wait to get out in the community and give back to other local businesses – and she encouraged others to do the same.
