An Inverness coffee shop has thanked the public for their support after launching a pay it forward scheme.
Blend Tea and Coffee Merchants on Drummond Street launched the scheme to help provide relief to struggling customers following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Customers can purchase a ‘pay it forward’ token which can then be gifted to future customers who may need some extra assistance.
Each token can be traded for a hot drink or something to eat within the shop.
Taking to social media, the dedicated team say the lockdown has “renewed the desire to actually do something good rather than just sell coffee.”
Owner Gemma Taylor said: “The suspended coffee idea is something people have asked about in the past.
“I haven’t done anything before, because it’s always felt like giving a hot drink and something to eat to someone who can’t pay should just be something that we do anyway.
“I’ve realised that with so many people keen to donate, I’ve now got a much better chance to get word out and probably help a lot more people than we could have before.
“I know so many people are looking for ways to help right now. People have been so generous since learning of what we’re doing, we’ve had donations from regular customers, people who have recently found us, even a donation sent from Spain.”
The proud owner said she has been overwhelmed by the public’s response in their willingness to help in people’s time of need.
She added: “It’s been pretty incredible. I put up a post on social media a couple of weeks ago, just offering people a place to come for a chat if they were struggling or feeling isolated right now, and the response was unbelievable, with so many people sharing their stories and coming in to say hi.
“One of the ideas to come out of that post was the pay it forward. And it’s been great to see so many people wanting to help.”
Mike Smith, manager of Inverness BID commended the business on their efforts.
He said: “I am delighted to see the success of Drummond Street based business “Blend Tea & Coffee Merchant’s ‘Pay it Forward’” scheme which reflects their corporate social responsibility.”
