Community & Business
15 June, 2024
Cafe gives hope to DV victims
VICTIMS of domestic violence have been given a new beacon of hope when escaping their abusive homes after a Mareeba cafe donated 19 safe phones to Mareeba Domestic Violence Service.
Every month, The Hungry Pug raises money for a Mareeba Shire-based charity or group, and during May, they raised $1,371 for Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month.
When business owners, Simon and Victoria Crosby, approached computer business Circuit Tree to purchase the phones, they were met with a heartwarming surprise.
“They did us a really good deal, which allowed us to purchase more phones than we thought we could,” Victoria said.
“These phones have now all gone to safe homes ... so when someone is ready to leave an unsafe situation, especially if they are leaving with no notice, they are able to do so with the help of the provided phone that can not be traced by the perpetrator.
“So, it gives them a sense of safety and privacy when leaving those situations,”
Knowing her business has helped 19 people escape their abusive homes is something that makes Victoria and Simon feel proud every day.
They said they were grateful for their customers and the wider community who chipped in to help raise the money through the tip jar and a Facebook Live busking night.
“It’s them who have always gotten behind us and have done all the hard work – Simon and I are just the connection to the community organisation,” Victoria said.
“People in this community are just so willing to help and jump on board with these things.”
This month’s community tip jar will be raising money for Chillagoe State School, with the money going towards a trip to Canberra at the end of the year.
