Addington Coffee Co-op

Christchurch, New Zealand

A little social enterprise research leads me to @addingtoncoffee - an old mechanic’s workshop turned community-focused cafè in 2008. An hour and three coffees later I have actually learned that Addington is way more than a lovely friendly cafè. It's part of a larger organisation called Liminal, formed around strong values of fair and ethical ways of doing business. They promote a community where all customers, employees and producers are valued equally and feel a proud sense of belonging.

A closer look at Liminal's business arms take us to @liminalapparel which imports and distributes cloathing and bags made under fair working conditions, with organic materials. A lot of the products are sourced from @freesetglobal – a business based in Kolkata (India) giving many women an opportunity to freedom from labour and human trafficking. Another feature on their website is @commongoodworld selling custom wristbands, also creating jobs and better choices in Kolkata. Coincidence here? One of the Addington founders lives in Kolkata, creating a strong link to their Christcurch community.

The Café

This cafè! ❤️ The beautiful wooden open space, the hustle and bustle of locals greeting eachother as old friends, the little international flags sitting on tables instead of table numbers and the super-yummy avo toast with halloumi sitting on my plate. This place has a lovely warm feel and a truly delicous menu. You can sit on a sofa, on a stool up on a high table with your laptop, at a table with friends, in a comfy sofa or at a big long common table for a conversation with a stranger.

@addingtoncoffee was created to nurture a sense of belonging for the local community. A little laundrette sits at the entrance of the cafè, the owner tells me how useful it was during Christchurch's awful earthquake - "People had lost their homes, it was good for them. A lot of people came during those times... and have remained." "Is that where it first came from?" I ask. "No actually, it was just an idea. Like wouldn't it be great to have a laundromat cafè where you could clean your clothes and then have a cup of tea while waiting?"

For years, 70% of Addington's profits went back to the local community and to the producers and communities overseas that create the products they sell. I love the way they explain this on their website "We saw this not a matter of generosity, but as the profits of our business going back to the producers and communities to whom they really belonged". Today profits are destined to help grow the business with a vision of creating good, stable and healthy jobs and a lot more social impact.

Bruce & The Addington Store

Another business arm linked to the  @addingtoncoffee is  @theaddingtonstore - a little hidden gem at the front corner of the cafè.

Making my way through the shelves of ethically traded gift items, children's books about human rights and environmentally friendly products I have the pleasure of meeting Bruce the co-founder. With smiley enthusiasm he gives me a little insight not only into his social enterprise cafe but also into my own journey.

"Do you know what a Muppet is? That's what we were, that's how it started. A group of muppets wanting to make tea for the communities. We never knew it would turn into this! See how the lives mix, lots of locals, they come here because they feel it's theirs. Y'know, if we change something they will come and tell you 'oh well I don't really like what you've done here'. That's cause they feel it's theirs. Others just come for a cup of tea" he tells me with a smile.

After a long chat, when I thank him for sharing and inspiring me, he says "no, thank YOU for coming in and asking because it's really gotten me inspired all over again". From the doorway I wave goodbye and Bruce shouts out "be a Muppet! And do something crazy!"

Jail Breaker Coffee

COFFEE! The last little corner of wonders I discover at @addingtoncoffee is it's roastery.

A smiley coffee-expert is busy at work there on Addington's own Jail Breaker coffee, which is then served up by the friendly barista. If you're a coffee drinker in NZ, check these guys out - organically grown, locally roasted, fairly traded.

CHECK OUT MORE at https://www.addingtoncoffee.org.nz/

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