Nearly $5000 has been raised for a homeless man in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland who sells cheap coffees from a shopping trolley in the central city.
Katelyn Ware created a Givealittle page earlier this week, to raise funds for Jonathan 'Patchy' Low, who sells instant coffee cups for $1.50 each at Te Komititanga Square.
For mere pocket change, Patchy whips up a brew using paper cups, insulated flasks with hot water, instant coffee, sugar, and milk.
He'll even throw in two biscuits for an extra $0.50 - a big price difference to the dozens of upmarket cafés surrounding the square.
But Auckland Council told Patchy on Thursday he needed a licence to continue selling coffees, according to Stuff.
As of Saturday morning, nearly 200 donors have so far contributed towards the end goal of $10,000.
"With funds raised, Patchy plans to invest in a proper coffee trolley with contactless payment options and obtain necessary permits to trade on Queen Street," the page's description says.
The idea is for Patchy to eventually open his own coffee shop - aptly named Patchy's Coffee.
"Patchy's life took a drastic turn when his car, his home and source of income, was stolen," the fundraiser says.
"Homeless and with nothing but the clothes on his back, he began delivering for Uber Eats on electric scooters and found temporary refuge in a business's bathroom," it continued.
Patchy began begging on Queen St when his scooter deal ended, but when he started selling cups of instant coffee from a trolley, it gained traction fast, according to Ware.
"With the help of viral TikTok videos, including one from Lina, who offered to create a fundraising page, Patchy embraced the idea of turning his coffee venture into a legitimate business, Patchy's Coffee Limited."
His goal is to fill "a market gap for affordable options".
Donors were happy to part with their cash to lend Patchy some support.
"Keep going! I love me an instant coffee!" one said.
"Best news I’ve read today by miles. Love this concept,' said another.
"Love your attitude, best of luck going forward," a third added.
