KereKere: Giving Without Expectations
KereKere, is a concept named in Fiji in which a relative or neighbor can request something that is needed and it must be willingly given with no expectation of repayment. What a wonderful sentiment, custom and way of life that hopefully can make its way into every enterprise and local business around the globe. A café in Melbourne, Australia, by the same name, has already taken that custom and is applying it to its community and business.
KereKere sets a monthly goal of setting aside $1,000 to give to a charitable cause in either: Environmental, Cultural, Social or Health. Each time a customer makes a purchase from the coffee vendor, they are asked to select which of the four charitable categories they wish to support, and they will at the end of the month make donations to specific initiatives accordingly.
Also, to further community, KereKere also hires on two young people each year, trains them in ‘the art of coffee making’ and the values that inspire them to conduct businesses in the way they do. KereKere, truly does live up to the concept from which its name was taken, they provide to its community without expectation and provides employment for young people facing barriers to finding work.
Founded by James Murphy, an entrepreneurial social worker, the culture of the coffee vendor is to inspire new generations of young people to become more community minded, ethical consumers and build ideas with a community focus. And now the coffee vendor has seen its business grow to include multiple locations while bringing generosity without expectations.