The "suspended coffee" project began in Italian cafes as a way to help the poor. The idea was for
cafe customers to buy an extra cup of coffee and reserve it for those unabel to afford a hot
drink. Since then it has gained popularity in Europe, and now the idea has reached Shanghai.
Chiato Coffee, which operates in Pudong Liberary, began offering suspended coffe last Tuesday. On
the first day, the shop sold 31 cups of the reserved coffee, but only four were drunk. The manager
said the first customer for suspended coffee was a man in his 40s, who felt it was an interesting
idea and worth trying.
Cao Jie, the cafe owner,says few people have taken up the offer because they don't know about it.
But she believes that the program will be very practical in China, and she hopes the concept can
be spread to other businesses.
Ma Lingling, a tea specialist says that, compared with donating money, food or clothing, helping
people to drink coffee is a kind of spiritual care, which provides the receiver with more respect
and dignity. But she thinks the cafe should make more effort to convince people that their
donations will really reach those people truly in need.