I first discovered Starbucks on a trip to LA with my husband, back in the early ‘90s. We loved the atmosphere, the smell of fresh ground coffee, and the very confusing method of “order here, wait by the bar for your drink”. I remember taking someone’s Vanilla Latte away by mistake, not knowing the “system”. Obviously, I had “TOURIST” written in red ink across my forehead.
It was only a few years later that Singapore sprouted Starbucks. Of course, I was such a happy girl — I love my Goliath-sized coffees! I loved the feeling of sitting in a plush Starbucks couch reading my book and nursing my Venti Extra Hot, Extra Dry Hazelnut Skinny Cappuccino. It was the first outing hubby and I have after the birth of our firstborn son (him sleeping in a basket next to me, me having my first post-natal caffeine shot. Okay, militant moms, park your opinions below.)
But what I loved most about Starbucks was Christmas. I loved the Bing Crosby in the air (he sounds better in Starbucks than anywhere else). I loved the gingerbread men. I loved the Christmas drinks with all kinds of exotic mixes (dark cherry mocha! Toffee nut latte!) all topped with a cherry Santa’s hat of whipped cream.
I travel the world to buy Starbucks Christmas ornaments too — between my husband and I we have a collection of Starbucks cup tree ornaments that are (almost) too cute to be put up.
But the thing I really love about Christmas at Starbucks is that every year, for a couple of hours on Starbucks Open House day, Starbucks gives away free drinks for a cause. This is something Nanz Inc stands for too — we want to be a business that does its part for society. Order any tall-sized drink you want, and pay nothing. But Starbucks invites you to make a donation to the Salvation Army. It’s a freewill donation — so your Dark Cherry Frappuccino (that would on an ordinary day cost upwards of $6) might just cost you $2. But for me and my husband, that’s usually the day we “give back”. We don’t donate anything less than $10 per drink. I think my record so far was $50 for an Americano. But it was worth it — because all proceeds go to the Salvation Army to fund their work helping orphans, the elderly, disaster survivors and all those in society who cannot help themselves.
TODAY (3 Dec 2009) is Starbucks’ sixth annual Open House. I encourage everyone to head down to Starbucks to have a “free” drink between 5-7pm at the Starbucks closest to you. I’m sure they will bring out treats like gingerbread men to go with your minty mocha. But as you’re enjoying your drink, think about the children in Gracehaven, many of whom have been rescued from abusive, dysfunctional family backgrounds — Salvation Army is the only family they know. Think of the sick and elderly in Peacehaven, who will never have a chance to sit in a Starbucks and hang out like you do — your contribution will go a long way to helping that they continue to be cared for with love.
What’s more, if you buy Starbucks products (there is a wonderful limited edition Christmas coffee this year — full of sweet and caramel-ly tones, just the way I love it), ornaments (start a collection like mine!), coffee mugs, machines and more — you stand a chance to win something from Starbucks that you can donate to the Salvation Army beneficiaries to bring them some welcome Christmas cheer.
See you at Starbucks at 5pm today!
Theresa
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Starbucks has always been my favorite place for my cup of Cappuccino. I also love the fact Starbucks has free broadband internet! LOL I am a twitter addict. ( I am talking about the Starbucks that I have been to in New Zealand and Hong Kong.) To know that Starbucks is giving away coffee for a good cause is indeed very heart warming.
Thanks Nanz for highlighting the work of The Salvation Army and of course, Starbucks' generosity in making this such a meaningful event year after year.
Guess what? I'm a “soldier” at The Salvation Army – that's our way of telling people that's our Church and we're its congregation members. I'm surprised, if not impressed by how much you know about each of our homes and their community work.
We're those who'd ring the bell at Starbucks' Open House to bring Christmas cheer and to encourage gifting and donations. In fact, we do this island-wide at major shopping malls for the entire month of December right up to Christmas eve each year without fail.
To us, Christmas is a time of sharing and giving of ourselves – not just what we can afford but also spreading God's message of Love for mankind. Keep up the good work Nanz and God bless!