Salvo’s van brings peace and justice to Ryde streets

Café2U , the world’s largest mobile coffee franchise has put their best charity foot forward, recently assisting Ryde’s Salvation Army in constructing their Justice Van.

One of the Justice Van’s main purposes is to provide underprivileged members of the community with a little bit of help in the form of an internal hot beverage and entertainment system, assisting greatly in the Salvation Army’s outreach programs.

The second main purpose is that of an educational tool, spreading positive information through seminars in schools, universities and community centres where members of the Salvation Army present interactive tutorials. The presentations tackle anti-slavery and anti-trafficking issues as well as outlining the importance of Fair Trade.

Logos representing Fair Trade and anti-slavery organisations are displayed on the van, their purpose being to raise awareness of these issues as the van travels its daily route.

Café2U coffee franchise donated much of the internal fittings for the van, such as a fridge, at no cost. On behalf of the Salvo’s they also negotiated reduced costs with third parties for materials they couldn’t provide themselves, such as stainless steel fittings.

Ongoing support of the Justice Van in the form of coffee (Fair Trade beans), cups and sugars are provided by Café2U food and beverage franchise, keeping the van operational.

Spokesperson for the Salvo’s in Ryde, Craig Stephens, says the level of support the Justice Van has given to their existing programs has been paramount.

“Café2U from the very beginning of this project have been so supportive and what this service brings to the community has become one of great importance,” said Mr Stephens.

The Youth Outreach Service, held in a Ryde Park each Friday night, is one program particularly benefiting from the Justice Van.

“In this instance, the Justice Van provides not only free beverages for disadvantaged or troubled youths, but it creates a safe and fun environment. The van acts as a mobile entertainment vehicle in a sense with the interior transporting a pool table. And the generator provides power for music, it just works so well,” enthused Mr Stephens.

“Crime, vandalism and alcohol-abuse cases have dropped dramatically since the inception of this program in Ryde and we have the Justice Van largely to thank.”

And the support spreads beyond Sydney. During the recent storm devastation in the suburbs of Brisbane, the Justice Van journeyed north to assist – along with various other local Café2U franchisees and members of the Salvo’s - in providing distraught locals with counselling over a hot coffee.

Café2U franchisees are continually involved in community events and local charity schemes with owners volunteering their time and services to the people and organisations in their district.