MOST NEIGHBOURLY GESTURE
An organisation helping people in need
Café ReCharge Galashiels, Scottish Borders
Having experienced food poverty in the past, Amy Wight approached friend Amanda Robinson back in 2019 with the idea of creating a Pay What You Can café. “I know how isolating it can be when you can’t go out for a coffee or for lunch with friends,” explains Amy. However Café ReCharge takes this a step further, not only tackling food poverty but also combating food waste by serving dishes created from surplus food from local supermarkets. Between Amy, Amanda, and a dedicated band of staff and volunteers, they collect unsold food to create a simple but satisfying menu with offerings such as spiced pumpkin, carrot and coconut soup, slow-cooked beef stew and chargrilled vegetable pasta bake. “We had several big freezers donated to us when we opened, so whatever we can’t use, we freeze for a later date,” says Amy. “We’re not trained chefs, but we like to use our creativity to produce easy, but well-done dishes.”
A community interest company, the café operates an anonymous payment system with customers given a fabric envelope with their order to pay what they can. “Sometimes you get 50p, sometimes you get £50,” admits Amy. There’s a ‘suggested price list’, however, and when anyone is able to pay a little extra, every penny goes straight back into helping this non-profit organisation continue to help those who need it. “Paying extra makes people feel good in a tangible way,” says Amy. “Our aim is to reduce social isolation, whether that’s pensioners, people with addictions or those with limited means. No matter what your situation, we’ll find a place for everyone here.” A warm welcome is included in the bill. facebook.com/caferechargeCIC
Nominated by Christie Wilson
WE ALSO LOVED North Wales Recycle IT Anglesey, North Wales
Established in 2019, this community interest company was working towards gaining the certifications needed for its ethical and sustainable IT equipment recycling business. But then the pandemic hit and it became clear that many families in the North Wales area had no or minimal access to computers – vital for education, communication and staying connected. NWRIT responded, working with schools to identify those most in need, and was able to get IT equipment into their homes quickly. The initiative has so far collected, refurbed and donated almost 200 devices back to the local community. walesrecycleit.com
Nominated by Becky Lowther