Death by Coffee, a coffee roaster and shop in Port Elizabeth started a pay it forward programme to help people who need a little love.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa – The ‘Pay It Forward’ system has been around for some time and has always been heartwarming. Seeing it pop up in South Africa is even better.
Death by Coffee, a coffee shop and roastery opened three months ago and started a pay it forward wall. They welcome their customers to purchase a coffee for someone else and encourage them to write a note for the person that receives it.
Since starting the pay if forward shelf, there hasn’t been a day that it isn’t full. Rushka Johnson, aka Mamma Coffee, says she gives at least one person a cup every day.
Some of the messages written on the cups have been for people overcoming heartache, people busy with exams and artists in need of a break. Rushka said that the cups help people from every walk of life.
We asked Rushka what was her favourite moment when handing out a cup. She confirmed that once she gave a cup of coffee to the car guard in the parking lot. He was so surprised by the gesture, he saved up some of his coins and went back to buy a pay it forward cup for someone else.
Rushka said the moment was beautiful to witness. Aside from that, a few people have dropped off their homemade jams and olives to be given to people in need.
People who are hurting in their hearts and need a little love from a stranger take great comfort from these cups.
Rushka was first inspired by the idea after seeing a photo of a homeless man receiving a warm meal. She now has seen it blossom into a beautiful way for people to give back. Through the concept, friendships have been made. Rushka recalls one day when a single mom came in and received a pay it forward cup. After the photo was shared online, the gifter reached out to the mom, and a friendship was born.
Take a look at some of the pay it forward moments below.
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