Creative writers and community do-gooders, take note: your skills could help you win a fully equipped coffee shop.
The Small Ritual Coffee Society has decided to give up its White Rock café to a new owner – completely free of charge – through a short essay contest.
“We're providing them with the equipment and with training and mentorship, so the idea is they'll start their own business and walk with their dream," explained board member Rydé Harding.
“They don't have to take over anything, they're not obligated to anything. They can do it wherever they want."
The not-for-profit group opened the volunteer-run space in 2009 hoping to help underemployed and marginalized Lower Mainland residents find support and a sense of community, but the location has made their mandate challenging to carry out.
“The individuals we're trying to serve and give programming to, a lot of times they have to commute [long distances] like the Downtown East Side and Langley,” Harding said.
Slow business in a quiet part of town has also made it challenging to raise funds for programming through the café, she added.
"White Rock is tough. It's kind of a sleepy town in the winter."
Ultimately, the society decided to give away the café's equipment and turn over the lease to the new hands of a talented wordsmith.
According to the rules of the essay contest, submissions must be on one of four topics, including the importance of art to society, or how to build a good relationship with the neighbourhood.
Applicants have to pay a $100 fee and have until Feb. 10, 2016 to submit their write-ups.
Ten finalists will be selected and must write a 1,000-word follow-up essay, with the final winner to be announced in early March.
The society estimates the value of the equipment, improvements to the building and furnishings to be $100,000. Harding said an applicant or group of applicants who demonstrate a desire to give back to the community in some way have a better chance at winning.
