As we take on our third week of social distancing, the streets are looking eerily quiet, and the country’s once-bustling hospitality industry has taken a hit. 

Even as venues have quickly diversified their business offerings to include takeaway and delivery options, many cafes, restaurants and bars are scrambling to make ends meet. 

KeepYourCafe is a not-for-profit social initiative working to change this, by encouraging people to pay for their future purchases now.

The initiative was started by Ali Linz and Julie Tylman, and is powered by GroupTogether,  who leapt at the chance to help the dining scene.

“We love local cafes and restaurants,” they wrote. “We wanted to help them weather the storm.”

Chefs Manu Feildel, Mark Best and James Viles have already shown their support for the initiative, and cafes all across Australia have jumped online to join the cause.

To donate, simply search for your favourite cafe or restaurant on www.keepyourcafe.com and then click on their listing to contribute. In return, you’ll receive a receipt which acts as a gift voucher to enjoy later.  If your local isn’t already listed, you can nominate them and the KeepYourCafe team will reach out to the venue directly. 

Be sure to tag @keepyourcafe #KeepYourCafe to share the love for your favourite local.  Visit www.keepyourcafe.com for more details.