I'm a teacher, and a coffee drinker. I'm many other things as well, most importantly a husband a father, but I make my living teaching in a way that connects kids to the world around them. Four years ago, I created a small coffee project with my students that has since raised over $1000.00 for coffee farming families, while brewing excellent coffee for teachers and staff.
Bunna Bike is the next step; turning a classroom project into a community one. Throughout the summer, and at special events during the school year, I'll be brewing great coffee for a greater good. Here's how:
Great Coffee
Every cup of coffee is a chance to share the story of coffee's origin; to support coffee farmers through directly traded-sustainable partnerships: and to make a difference in the life of a child, their family, and their community. Bunna Bike brings exceptional handcrafted coffee to the community of Sitka,
Alaska, all while contributing to the well-being of children and their families
in Africa. Let me tell you more by way of the name:
"Bunna"
Bunna in the Ethiopian language of Amharic
means coffee. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and produces some of
the most interesting coffees in the world, known for their floral and fruity
notes and bright acidity.
Bunna Bike will feature coffees from an Alaska-based "home roaster" and a "guest roaster" from the lower 48. Both roasters source amazing coffees, and I'm really proud be to working with them. All of the coffees selected will not only be high quality, but directly traded and ethically produced whenever possible. Learn more about them below:
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Steamdot Coffee Kuma Coffee
"Bike"
I haven't owned a car since 1994, and while from
time to time you'll catch me driving one, a bike is my preferred mode of
travel. Bike-based businesses are a highly sustainable and an affordable way to bring products to market, something that Bunna Bike shares with the projects supported by our beneficiary World Bicycle Relief.
Brewing coffee by bike also means that I'm highly mobile, and able to
brew at special events, private parties, and anywhere in between. Throughout this first summer, the bike will be brewing in
partnership with Ludvig's Bistro and the Sitka Sound Science Center down at the
old mill building.
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Brews coffee, will travel
A Greater Good.
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In addition to being the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is
also the birthplace of my daughter Shewa, so Bunna Bike is very much a business with the people of Africa
at its heart. 10%
of profits benefit the work of Dr. Rick Hodes and World Bicycle Relief.
If you’re on the fence about how a coffee cart
can really make a difference consider this:
- Coffee is one of the largest exports in the
world, yet coffee farmers consistently live and work in poverty. Top roasters not only produce great
coffee, but pay more for it and develop direct relationships with
farmers. Replacing your commodity
coffee with direct trade options improves lives.
- 10% of profits directly benefit children and
their families. Both benefiting
organizations have extremely low administration costs, allowing virtually
all of the money donated to directly benefit the people they serve.
- Since the first cafes opened centuries
ago, meaningful conversations have been taking place between two people
with a cup of coffee in their hands. Coffee builds community.
- Coffee is culinary. If you love great food, expect the same
of your coffee. I’ll make sure to
meet those expectations each and every time you stop by for a cup.
What We Need & What You Get
The total cost of start-up is close to $6,000.
- The big purchases for Bunna Bike include the bike built by Icicle Tricycles and two Forte grinders from Baratza. Once purchased, these items will last years. Additional equipment includes digital scales, manual brewers, and paper goods. By keeping overhead and costs low, Bunna Bike can focus on what counts: brewing great coffee and building community both here and abroad.
- In addition to bringing amazing coffee to Sitka, backers receive some cool perks. Each perk offers something tangible: free coffee, limited edition mugs, access to reserve roasts, and even a private catering gig. Got an idea for a custom perk? Let me know.
Other
Ways You Can Help
Even if a contribution is not possible for you, please help spread the word.
- Post on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc. Tell your friends to support an awesome local community business!
- Use the Indiegogo share tools!
- Attend Bunna Bike events. We'll host special opportunities to learn more about our beneficiaries over a cup of delicious coffee.
Cheers,
Chris Bryner
