news, local-news

Get ready Katoombans — a cafe in your town will be open for 48 consecutive hours from midday on Friday, May 24 to shine a spotlight on the issue of depression and raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. Owners of True to the Bean Cafe and Waffle Shop, Matt and Millie Hope, will team up with their video game enthusiast friends from Mountains-based social group, The League of Jolly Gentlemen, to run the cafe for two days and nights straight for what they’ve named The Black Dog Waffle Weekend. Mr Hope is even putting the finishing touches to a special edition “black waffle” that will be available to purchase at the event. “It will definitely have dark chocolate and liquorice, but I’m still working on what else to put in it,” he said. “We’ll be taking out the cafe furniture and putting in a lounge suite, lots of bean bags, two video game consoles and some board games, we’re encouraging people to buy a waffle, a coffee or a small snack and join in the fun of playing a game. “There will even be prizes for game winners. “Because the cafe will be run by volunteers and all food and coffee products are being provided by generous local businesses, there will be no costs for us as a business so that means every single cent raised from purchases and donations will go towards the Black Dog Insitute (BDI). “Our goal is to try and raise $10,000 which is enough for BDI to fund at least one support program. “It’s something we are very passionate about.” Wes Vincent from the League (www.facebook.com/Leagueofjollygents) said his group of video game players recently added board games to their regular catch-ups and quickly found conversations began flowing — a useful ally in fighting depression. “It really doesn’t take much more than that — just looking out for the people around you,” Mr Vincent, whose group meets weekly at True to the Bean, said. “Depression is a really big issue and there’s not a lot of awareness out there about the need to talk about it and to stop what happens if you don’t [talk]. The group’s motto is to “help each other through the ups and downs of life”. “That’s why we want to be part of this event. We’d also like people to ask at least one person they know how they are going.” Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community made the first cash donation to the event last week ($200) and Katoomba Workwear, Fish River Roasters, Fresh Cafe and Food Bar, Gersh Goods and Parmalat are generously donating items and food and beverage products. BDI is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mood disorders like depression and bi-polar through its high quality research, clinical expertise and national education programs. To support the fundraiser, pop into the cafe at 123 Katoomba Street, make a gold coin donation into the clearly labelled Black Dog collection tin or make an online donation by May 26 at www.everydayhero.com.au/theleagueofjollygentlemen.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-ib5DVV3wyqSbthNYpbt4Wg/7f1858e1-2145-425b-b8ec-a0a902c03a53.jpg/w1200_h678_fcrop.jpg