BARRY’S BAY – Coffee was brewing and spirits were high on October 1 as St. Francis Memorial Hospital celebrated the Bean’s one-year anniversary.
The Bean is a coffee kiosk located in the hospital’s bustling waiting room. Madawaska Coffee provides the java, which comes in a variety of flavours. Neil and Sarah Wright founded the locally owned company, located in Barry’s Bay.
A cup of coffee is reasonably priced, and a portion of the money raised goes towards the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
Neil and Sarah Wright said the partnership with the foundation started as a fundraising program for the hospital.
“It did so well that we integrated with them into a full time permanent thing here,” Sarah said.
Neil added the kiosk creates a warm atmosphere in the hospital’s foyer.
Their business, which is soon celebrating its four-year anniversary, has also expanded. More than 70 locations across Ontario either sell or serve Madawaska Coffee, which is created with organic, fair trade beans.
Get your October 7, 2015 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.