Café Sells Donated Purple Chickens for Charity in Heartwarming ‘Pay It Forward’ Initiative
It was an ordinary day at the Purple Chicken Cafe when Jen Tait, the café’s founder, opened a mysterious package with a “Random Acts of Knitting and Crocheting Kindness” card on the top. The box would soon become a symbol of generosity and community spirit. The box had arrived unannounced, and Jen couldn’t have imagined the surprise it held inside. Inside the box were 64 hand-crocheted purple chickens, each unique in size and shape. The note attached simply read, “Do with them what you will, sell, display, giveaway. I don’t mind what you do.”
The Purple Chicken Cafe, established in October 2019, has always focused on skill development, empowerment, and giving back to the local community. Jen called a meeting with the café’s team to decide what to do with the generous donation, and the decision turned out to be quite easy. “We’re going to pay it forward,” they agreed. “We’ll sell the purple chickens and donate the proceeds to the Cancer Centre Trust Fund. They are local, and we all know someone affected by cancer.”
The Purple Chicken Cafe is much more than just a local café—it is a place of growth, support, and community. Jen and her team have always wanted to offer skill development to people who face barriers to employment, especially carers and those with disabilities. With its flexible hours, the Purple Chicken has become a lifeline for women looking for opportunities to balance both work and family.
In addition to the employees, 34 participants attend the café on a weekly basis to develop skills, gain confidence, and pursue a brighter future. Some participants attend for just one or two days a week, while others are in the café for three or more. When asked what makes the Purple Chicken so special, participant Anna says she loves working with her friends and serving customers.
Tracey, the café’s chef, tells us, “The team not only prepares and serves food, but they also cater off-site events. We’ve seen so many young people transition into jobs after their time here. That’s what this place is all about—teaching them the skills they need, so they can go out into the world and thrive.”
The Purple Chicken Cafe has always been about more than just food. It is about helping people find their way, overcome obstacles, and thrive. And now, thanks to this wonderful donor of plush purple chickens, and the decision to pay it forward, the café has once again proven that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, changing lives for the better.
Photo: Purple Chicken Cafe Participants proudly showing off the crochet purple chickens for sale. Back row, left to right is Thomas, Anna, and Carly. Front row, left to right, is Paris, Melissa, and Kirste.
