Friday 7 December 2012

Event Review: UCAN Cafe Launch

UCAN Cafe
Location: Altona North Community Library, Corner of Millers & McArthurs Road, Altona North, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9391 7929
Link: http://www.ucancafe.com.au/
UCAN café is a part of an enterprise under the Yooralla umbrella. In a nutshell UCAN provides employment opportunities for people with a disability. Interestingly, they employed Melbourne’s first blind barista, Aaron D’Altera (he wasn’t born with a disability but contracted a brain infection a few years ago which destroyed 90% of his vision). 

To raise awareness about what they do, an initiative called the UCAN challenge is now up and running – the challenge involves some of Melbourne’s most well regarded cafes and baristas taking part in a blindfold challenge. That is, making a coffee without the aid of their vision. 
Various videos of baristas taking the challenge can be viewed on the UCAN website. J and I were privileged to attend the UCAN challenge launch at the Fox FM rooftop on Monday the 19th of November. As expected, UCAN Cafe catered the event. The food was lovely and the service was by far one of the best I have ever encountered. The staff members were passionate, cheerful and clearly took pride in their work. Here are pictures from the launch for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
Aaron D’Altera tells us his story
UCAN Cafe treats
performance by Rudely Interrupted

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