Yas Bean to raise thousands for Macclesfield charities amid cost of living crisis
By Alex Greensmith
28th Oct 2022 | Local News
A Buxton Road coffee shop has raised thousands for multiple Macclesfield charities.
Yas Bean, which recently celebrated their one-year anniversary on 219 Buxton Road, have raised £2500 for a pair of Macclesfield good causes.
Silklife Foodbank of George Street, and youth charity Cre8 of Belgrave Road, will split the share of the fundraiser. And there's still a few days left to donate.
Amid the cost of living crisis and rising energy costs, the small independent business has gone above and beyond for the two Macclesfield charities.
It was after married couple Mika Johnson and Dan Hardman decided they wanted to help those who help feed the community this winter.
Yas Bean Co-Founder Mika Johnson explained how the campaign came about.
"I think the fact we [the country] has to rely on food banks is pretty abhorrent", said Mika.
"The way things are now, we have to help each other out.
"I volunteered for Silklife a few years ago, and that was quite eye-opening to see the volume they have every single week. People from all different walks of life come to use it.
"Silklife help people that are in real emergency situations with food and toiletries. And having volunteered there one day a week, I know how much the rely on donations.
"Money can really help them to buy the things that are required every single week, and also helps pay for things like travel expenses and carrier bags which they don't get donated. They are all volunteers.
"And choosing Cre8 was also a no-brainer. In lockdown they started to provide grocery overstocks for £2-3 of food that would have been thrown away.
"I used it a few times in lockdown, just from an eco sense to stop produce from going to waste.
"I found out through that the amazing work Cre8 does with community outreach. Funds are vitally important to them as well.
"The decision for people to 'heat or eat' should never have to be made. So I thought as a business with a platform, why not try to help with one of those issues."
"With the latest news of the increasing cost of living, I had the idea to get businesses and local folk to put as much towards these causes.
"As the cost of living crisis has started to pinch, it has been harder to get donations. But a big big thank you to those of you who can, or even just can share the campaign."
You have until the end of the month to donate.
Started with Mika's baker partner Dan Hardman, Yas Bean's story is an inspiring one.
Initially starting as a mobile coffee van in Tytherington during lockdown, before moving to Bollington, and now a permanent store on Buxton Road.
They feel indebted to give back to the community after a rapid rise. And have encouraged other local businesses to do the same.
One of the charities had glowing things to say about Yas Bean's help.
Director Ameera Fletcher has been with Cre8 for over three years.
"What is really great for us as a small charity, is when somebody says I really love what you are doing and we want to raise some money for you", said Ameera.
"Mika has just gone and run with it. We're a grassroots community charity based on the Moss. So to have someone fundraise for us is incredible. It really helps us focus on what we want to do.
"Like a lot of small charities, it is harder to get grant funding right now. The cost of living crisis is going on, and we are looking at trying to do more for the community, in terms of opening our spaces.
"So the £1250 share we could currently get would go towards our core costs which means we can do more. We can have our buildings open for people during the week to come in and participate in the activities we are running.
"Thank you to Yas Bean for your support."
Yas Bean also support local when it comes to their suppliers, from using Hazel Grove's Jacksons Dairy and Macclesfield ceramic maker Emma Wictome.
The grab-and-go coffee spot have a charitable streak. They were one of the first Macclesfield businesses to donate money to the Ukraine crisis, when they raised £800 just through waiving a days sales of coffee to Ukrainian humanitarian causes.
Mika explained why Yas Bean likes to do so much for others.
"Charities are really struggling right now", added Mika.
"People that work in hospitality really enjoy feeding people and I love making people feel good.
"I would say as a small business, it is almost part of our duty to give back to the community.
"When we are seeing mega companies have mega profits, to me that is actually disgusting. "
"Yes we all deserve to turn a profit, but there has to be a certain amount of giving back. To know that people are skipping meals is unacceptable for me, that is where I stand.
"I also feel doing these campaigns helps our longevity. It doesn't do us any service if our community is crumbling around us.
"We are symbiotic with the happiness of our customers and the local community in that way.
"Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield for their the support of the charity crowdfunder, or our business."
You can still donate via this link to support Yas Bean's campaign for the two Macclesfield charities. But please note, donations will be closing on Tuesday November 1.
Yas Bean are hosting a Halloween event this Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
Alongside their sandwiches and bakes made by Dan upstairs, you can enjoy their own-blend coffee and partake in a seasonal activities.
There will even be tarot reading, as well as a pop-up shop of Macclesfield creatives.
Macclesfield: You can find more about Yas Bean by giving them a follow on Instagram.
Macclesfield: You can read our previous articles with Yas Bean here, here and here.
See Also: Meet the new owners of Macclesfield café The Monocle
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