What was a very sad cafe last week with little to no customers, transformed into a buzzing scene with people happily enduring long lines in the rain just to support Manly’s Big Happy Cafe (a pop up run by young adults with disabilities) yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 20 March.
Scores of people had noticed the Head Higher’s plea for help via Manly Observer and rallied to St Matthew’s Church courtyard to enjoy live music, dancing, speeches, and food and beverages all provided by the workers at the cafe.
Coincidentally, yesterday marked the International Day of Happiness.
“I’m speechless. Can’t believe it. I mean, the queue was literally down the street. Absolutely unbelievable,” said Julie Ross-Edwards the community director of Head High.
The Head High group, a disability service for young adults, had spent months preparing a cafe aimed at boosting the confidence and skill set of their workers so they can find gainful employment but reached out to Manly Observer last week after almost no one showed.
“I really think it’s amazing, because people are put to wait a really long time today. And there’s been smiles on everybody who’s been waiting and nobody’s been impatient.
“The head highers are a bit overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of this, but I will definitely have some money to be able to give them which is wonderful.”
Although the sheer amount of people may have blindsided the Big Happy Cafe workers, their dedication to the job was unshakable.
Adrian, who was on the coffee and hot chocolate station, admitted it was a little tough, but was a great learning experience.
“I’ll be honest, I was struggling. But we were able to manage pretty well.
“I think I recommend that we give this to many people who don’t have a job who have a disability who doesn’t fit in well with people,” he said.
Luke, who is best known for his speeches said the day provided him with the confidence boost he needed to pursue his MC career.
“I feel really good. I’m just really enjoying this great cafe. It’s really amazing.
“I love doing my speeches, I love being the MC, like the host… It made me feel so good, It made me so confident!”
JP who is always serving with a smile and the cafe’s usual ballroom dancer, was unable to get those dancing shoes off the rack yesterday as he was flooded with orders, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the shift.
“So happy like to see a bunch of people, with very happy faces and good smiles.
“I was doing waitering as well, like a lot of people, but I have a big smile on my face.”
Thanks to everyone who showed up for support, the day turned into a priceless experience for the workers providing them with essential experience for future employment.
The community support has left a substantial impact that is reinforced by the Head High founder’s gratitude.
“I think they’ve coped incredibly well because it really has been massively busy. And they’ve done a brilliant job.
“It really means a lot. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the group, but just know that if you came today, you have made a significant impact on each and every one of my wonderful head highers. So thank you,” Julie said.
If you missed out on the action yesterday don’t fret, the cafe will be open at St Mathews Church from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm on Wednesdays.
