BEACON OF LIGHT

Cafe chain Jamaica Blue links with youth initiative.

Jamaica Blue officially launched its fundraising program for charity partner, Beacon Foundation, during a breakfast event at its flagship cafe at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter. Speaking at the event, Serge Infanti, managing director of parent company Foodco, said that Jamaica Blue is passionate about supporting franchisees.

One major café brand is getting behind Australia’s youth with a new initiative that supports youngsters move from education to employment.

“We try to do the best we can to make successful people and guide them through their business ventures,” he said.

Now the business has taken its support one step further and is backing the Beacon Foundation in its mission to help young people successfully transition from education to meaningful employment.

“Youth unemployment is at 12.5 per cent in Australia, and up to 25 per cent in some areas. So, as an employer of many young people across the nation, we feel Jamaica Blue has a responsibility to support its local communities,” Infanti said.

“Seventy one Jamaica Blue cafés have a Beacon partner school in their local community and our fundraising efforts will enable Beacon to run its successful High Impact Programs in these areas.

“I’m very passionate about helping young people into the workforce,” he continued.

The 71 cafés across Australia have a Beacon partner school in their local community will be given materials to assist them with fundraising money for a High Impact Program for a high school in their local community. A High Impact Programme costs $2750 to run.

Fundraising started at the end of October.

Scott Harris, CEO Beacon Foundation, said “The transition from secondary school to further education, employment or training is one of the most important in setting students up for success in life. Jamaica Blue’s fundraising efforts will allow Beacon to continue inspiring participants, and kick start the working lives of high school students,” said Scott.

After discussions with a panel of Food Co executives who shared their career journeys, experiences and workplace advice, the students from Blacktown Girls High took part in a barista workshop.

Student Ghashia Maqsood, 16, said of the experience: "It has given me hope and a different perspective to my career. It is more effective to hear from people who have been through the process".

And fellow student Bianca Barton, 17, said "Knowing that failing is ok to do within your life has made me more comfortable with challenges".