Clan Cancer Support has opened a new coffee shop in Aberdeen using a horsebox, as the charity looks to bolster its income and diversify from traditional fundraising streams.
The Coffee Box at Westburn Park is now open from 8am to 2pm, seven days a week with all profits going towards the charity based at Clan House, next to the park on Westburn Road.
Barista staff have been recruited by Clan to serve hot drinks using coffee from Aberdeen based roaster LongWalk Coffee and snacks including doughnuts from Belmont Street based Dough and Co.
The business launch follows feedback from residents at Clan Accommodation and market research conducted by the charity, with locals commenting on the need for a coffee shop within the park.
Teresa Bremner, Clan’s commercial manager, said: “The launch of The Coffee Box at Westburn Park marks an exciting milestone in Clan’s journey to deliver long term sustainable income to support our services and we are so pleased to be open for business and serving quality products in our local area.
“The Coffee Box shares Clan’s mission of empowering and improving people’s lives and we hope our customers enjoy taking time for themselves in the beautiful surroundings of Westburn Park, knowing their purchase is helping Clan provide emotional and physical support to people impacted by cancer.”
Gavin Morris from Bilfinger, Teresa Bremner from Clan Cancer Support and Laura Hardie from Bilfinger.
The donation of a horsebox and support from local businesses enabled the charity to pursue the business venture. Bilfinger UK provided employee volunteers to completely refurbish the horsebox and North-east services supported with plumbing and electrical work.
The unit, which is approximately two metres in length, has now been transformed into a fully contained and functional serving station, complete with a professional coffee machine, fridge and water supply.
It will remain stationed in Westburn Park with staff on hand to keep the business operational throughout the year.
Gavin Morris, operations director at Bilfinger Engineering and Maintenance UK, said: “The Coffee Box will help Clan generate crucial funds to support those affected by cancer in our local community, and we are delighted to have played our part to support the unique initiative.
“We hope everyone enjoys utilising the new service as much as we have enjoyed being a part of extending the life and repurposing the horsebox into The Coffee Box.”
Teresa added: “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us to launch The Coffee Box, especially Bilfinger and North-east Services whose support has been invaluable.
“We’d also like to thank all our customers – we appreciate every single person who has taken the time to visit us so far. We look forward to serving many more people throughout the summer and for many more seasons to come.”
A full menu and opening times can be found on the business’ dedicated social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.