Local businesses on a mission to cheer up those doing it tough

IN these unprecedented times where people are facing job losses and no sight of the next paycheck, local businesses are trying to give a smile back to the community.

John Koenig from Johnn Johnn’s is offering free ice cream and coffee to those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Che Chorley

IN these unprecedented times when people are facing job losses and no sight of the next paycheck, a number of local businesses are trying to give a smile back to the community.

Darwin ice-creamery Johnn Johnn’s is now providing free ice cream or coffee to those who have lost their jobs.

Owner John Koenig said it was important for the community to band together and look after those who had suffered.

“People are doing it tough … I had three mates who came in who said they were out of a job and I said I’d give them a free one and I realised there’s people out there who need help,” Mr Koenig said.

“It’s not much but at least it’s something we can give back.”

The ice-creamery is also offering a ‘pay it forward’ system where customers can pay for an ‘Angel coffee’, which those in need can collect free of charge.

“We put in ten to start with and are adding one each day … but we’ve had more input for people purchasing the pay-it-forward so far,” Mr Koenig said.

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Mad Snake Cafe are another city business, by no means striving in the economic downturn, that has jumped on the bandwagon, offering free coffees to those doing it tough.

Meanwhile the Coffee Club franchises are offering free coffee with any meal to frontline workers, keeping the community operational and safe.

Originally published as Local businesses on a mission to cheer up those doing it tough