In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a local coffee establishment nestled on Perth’s vibrant St John Street is preparing to open its doors on Christmas Day, offering a complimentary three-course meal and companionship to anyone facing the festive season alone or experiencing hardship. This thoughtful initiative aims to transform a potentially isolating day into one of warmth, connection, and joy for residents across Perth and Kinross.
Michael Miller and Kelsea Reinke, the dynamic duo behind ‘Coffee and Things by Miller Coffee’, are spearheading this inclusive event. Michael, a seasoned coffee entrepreneur with six years at the helm of Miller Coffee, recently joined forces with Kelsea, who has been nurturing Coffee and Things since 2024. Together, they are channeling their shared passion for community welfare into this special Christmas offering. A Festive Haven for All
The festive lunch, meticulously planned as a three-course dining experience, will be served between noon and 4 pm on December 25th. Beyond providing a nourishing meal, the owners are committed to fostering a welcoming social environment. This gesture extends to a diverse array of individuals, including older residents who might be without family nearby, those experiencing homelessness, or even new parents finding themselves stretched thin financially during the holidays. The core message is clear: no one should feel isolated or forgotten on Christmas Day.
The inspiration for this compassionate undertaking struck Michael after a conversation with a local woman who shared her concern about spending Christmas entirely alone. “I simply couldn’t stand the thought,” Michael recounted, highlighting the personal drive behind their decision to create this communal gathering. His and Kelsea’s vision is to create a vibrant, social hub where conversations flow as freely as the coffee, ensuring everyone feels valued and part of the wider Perth community. Community’s Call to Action: Sponsors and ‘Buddies’ Needed
To bring this ambitious plan to fruition, Michael and Kelsea are actively seeking support from the generous Perth and Kinross community. They are appealing for local sponsors to contribute a modest sum towards the cost of a meal, directly enabling them to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help cover the expenses of ingredients, ensuring a high-quality, festive spread for all attendees.
In addition to financial backing, the coffee shop is also calling for volunteers to act as ‘buddies’ on Christmas Day. These compassionate individuals will join Michael and Kelsea and their already volunteered staff, sitting and chatting with guests, sharing stories, and simply being a friendly face. This human connection is as vital as the meal itself, offering invaluable company to those who might otherwise spend the day in solitude.
Michael expressed his hope that this initiative will resonate throughout the region, inspiring other local businesses to consider similar acts of kindness during the festive period. “This could become a beautiful ongoing tradition for Perth,” he mused, emphasizing the potential for collective action to create lasting positive change. The success of the event, they believe, hinges on the collective spirit of the community. Initial responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing eagerness to assist in various capacities.
This heartwarming endeavor perfectly encapsulates Perth’s renowned community spirit, especially as the city gears up for its wider Christmas celebrations. With the festive lights set to dazzle and events unfolding across the city centre in late November, this local coffee shop’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind truly shines bright, adding another layer of magic and generosity to Perth’s yuletide calendar. It’s a reminder that at the heart of the holidays lies the gift of giving and shared humanity.
Michael Miller and Kelsea Reinke, the dynamic duo behind ‘Coffee and Things by Miller Coffee’, are spearheading this inclusive event. Michael, a seasoned coffee entrepreneur with six years at the helm of Miller Coffee, recently joined forces with Kelsea, who has been nurturing Coffee and Things since 2024. Together, they are channeling their shared passion for community welfare into this special Christmas offering. A Festive Haven for All
The festive lunch, meticulously planned as a three-course dining experience, will be served between noon and 4 pm on December 25th. Beyond providing a nourishing meal, the owners are committed to fostering a welcoming social environment. This gesture extends to a diverse array of individuals, including older residents who might be without family nearby, those experiencing homelessness, or even new parents finding themselves stretched thin financially during the holidays. The core message is clear: no one should feel isolated or forgotten on Christmas Day.
The inspiration for this compassionate undertaking struck Michael after a conversation with a local woman who shared her concern about spending Christmas entirely alone. “I simply couldn’t stand the thought,” Michael recounted, highlighting the personal drive behind their decision to create this communal gathering. His and Kelsea’s vision is to create a vibrant, social hub where conversations flow as freely as the coffee, ensuring everyone feels valued and part of the wider Perth community. Community’s Call to Action: Sponsors and ‘Buddies’ Needed
To bring this ambitious plan to fruition, Michael and Kelsea are actively seeking support from the generous Perth and Kinross community. They are appealing for local sponsors to contribute a modest sum towards the cost of a meal, directly enabling them to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help cover the expenses of ingredients, ensuring a high-quality, festive spread for all attendees.
In addition to financial backing, the coffee shop is also calling for volunteers to act as ‘buddies’ on Christmas Day. These compassionate individuals will join Michael and Kelsea and their already volunteered staff, sitting and chatting with guests, sharing stories, and simply being a friendly face. This human connection is as vital as the meal itself, offering invaluable company to those who might otherwise spend the day in solitude.
Michael expressed his hope that this initiative will resonate throughout the region, inspiring other local businesses to consider similar acts of kindness during the festive period. “This could become a beautiful ongoing tradition for Perth,” he mused, emphasizing the potential for collective action to create lasting positive change. The success of the event, they believe, hinges on the collective spirit of the community. Initial responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing eagerness to assist in various capacities.
This heartwarming endeavor perfectly encapsulates Perth’s renowned community spirit, especially as the city gears up for its wider Christmas celebrations. With the festive lights set to dazzle and events unfolding across the city centre in late November, this local coffee shop’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind truly shines bright, adding another layer of magic and generosity to Perth’s yuletide calendar. It’s a reminder that at the heart of the holidays lies the gift of giving and shared humanity.