When Bathurst-based father and businessman, Ben Middleton saw a documentary on youth homelessness he knew he had to do something and so, after doing some research into local services, made the decision to make a personal donation of $5,000 towards local youth service, Veritas House.

Ben shared the decision with his brother Dr Jesse Middleton who also jumped on board, and the result was ‘Coffee for a Cause’, where Dr Jesse’s $5,000 donation will ‘pay forward’ coffees at MouBar Vintage in Ribbon Gang Lane, Bathurst on Saturday, 28 October and local residents are asked to make a donation to Veritas in return for their free coffee, with the goal of raising a further $5,000.

“Jesse and I are both parents of young children and we are passionate about the safety and wellbeing of local young people,” said Ben. “Coffee for a Cause is an opportunity to raise funds for a local, community-based organisation and to help make a difference in the lives of Bathurst youth.

“Planning for the day has also exposed us to some alarming statistics that have reinforced just how important this cause is to both Jesse and I,” explained Ben. “The number of children in out-of-home care has almost doubled in the last 10 years, meaning there is a serious need for Foster Carers in communities across NSW, including Bathurst. And 42% of the homeless population is under 25 years of age, most of whom are escaping abusive, violent or broken homes.

“Organisations like Veritas House are helping these young people to live in safety and reach their full potential and we hope local people will really get behind our Coffee for a Cause day and support our local youth service,” said Ben.

Veritas House Business Development Manager, Narelle Stocks reflected on the significance of local people supporting a local charity that assists youth in Bathurst.

“Coffee for a Cause is particularly special because it isn’t part of a national charity event; it’s the initiative of two Bathurst business people who recognise the importance of supporting local vulnerable children and young people and wanted to do something to help,” said Narelle. “We are humbled that Ben and Jesse have selected Veritas as their cause and the proceeds of the day will enable us to continue to enhance the supports we can provide to local young people experiencing homelessness or entering Foster Care.”

In addition to free coffees, a range of activities will take place between 8am-12pm as part of the Coffee for a Cause celebrations, including face painting for the kids and information displays, thanks to the support of Central Tablelands Fire and Electrical and Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre.

MouBar Vintage is located in Ribbon Gang Lane, next to the Church Bar in Bathurst and will open from 6am. For those unable to attend the Coffee for a Cause event, donations can be made in the lead up to the day at Central Tablelands Fire and Electrical, Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre or at Veritas House.