Cafe profits feed the homeless

Most of the profit Theresa Kellas gains from running the cafe goes into her work with the homeless, through her program Agape Outreach.

Blainey Woodham / TWE180112cafe

EVERY now and again you meet a person who is truly inspiring.

While many of us struggle to get out of bed in the morning, people like Theresa Kellas are going above and beyond to help others.

These inspiring people seem to have their hand in a million different charities and are always running off to help someone here and someone else there.

Ms Kellas owns Cinnamon Cafe in Coolangatta, but not to profit herself.

Most of the profit she gains from running the cafe goes into her work with the homeless, through her program Agape Outreach.

The outreach program gives food and company to homeless people in Coolangatta every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

On top of that she runs the Kitchen of Hard Knocks program, teaching cooking skills to the homeless, organises fundraising masquerade balls, sponsors impoverished children in the Philippines plus she's a reverend and a mother.

And you thought you were busy.

"You've got to do what you love, whether it's your belief, or just a love for something," Ms Kellas said.

"The people I help are estranged from society.

"What reason do they have to get up in the morning if they feel like they have no one to talk to and nothing to do?

"I let them volunteer in the cafe sometimes, it gives them purpose and they love to know someone needs them."

Ms Kellas said the Agape Outreach and the Kitchen of Hard Knocks program were about more than just food.

"It's not all about the food, it's about the relationships.

"We talk to them and read from the Bible.

"The Kitchen of Hard Knocks gives them a sense of independence and purpose.

"I used to do it out of my own pocket but I decided to buy the cafe to raise money so I could do more."

The Masquerade Ball will be held on Tweed Endeavour Cruises from 5.30pm on March 3rd. Tickets are $60 and include tea, coffee music and an auction.

Ms Kellas hopes to begin a second Kitchen of Hard Knocks program soon.

To support the Agape Outreach drop in and grab a coffee or try the new lunch menu at Cinnamon Cafe on Griffith St.