Businesses rarely begin without a dream.
This one is no different.
It's a tale about a Vernon man with diverse-abilities named Anakin Eckert, who has had to learn to live with multiple health-limiting and serious conditions. Finding his place in society as a valued, employed, accepted, included, and supported member has been even more challenging.
But his ability to dream has never wavered.
Anakin, along with his mom, Elizabeth, and sister, Deirdre, are opening The Pup-n-Cup Family Cafe and Shop in Vernon, after son told mom and sis he wanted to create his own business to have a space for people with diverse-abilities to have a job, a place to be themselves, and a place to explore many aspects of the arts with friends.
He did this after completing a four-year fundraising journey with the Make A Wish Foundation, which saw Anakin raise $30,000 by doing things like rappelling down the sides of skyscrapers.
"Coming up with the idea wasn't difficult because...coffee!" said the team on its website, . "As life-long coffee consumers, Anakin and his family embraced the plan of a coffee shop. The dog things was naturally integrated from an obsessive love of dogs.
"Brewing inclusivity, one vup at a time at the Pup-n-Cup Family Cafe and Shop, we believe in the power of community and inclusivity."
The shop will sell hot and cold beverages, tasty snacks, and dog training supplies (note, however, dogs are not permitted in the cafe because of health codes).
Every sip taken, and every item purchased, supports the Diversity Den Society, a dedicated non-profit that empowers people with diverse abilities through employment and social engagement.
The Pup-n-Cup will donate 60 per cent of its profits to Diversity Den Society, and the other 40 per cent goes to the Community Contribution Company to meet three- and five-year goals.
By choosing Pup-n-Cup, you are helping the family three-fold;
鈥� Creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals with diverse-abilities, fostering independence and growth;
鈥� Funding art and cultural programs that celebrate individuality and bring our community together;
鈥� Providing a safe, welcoming space where everyone can connect, socialize, create and thrive. Your support helps make a positive impact in the lives of many, one cup at a time. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
The Pup-n-Cup Cafe and Shop is located in the Browns Transport building at 2101-43rd St. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. The cafe will be closed Sunday and Monday.
The shop hopes to open to the public Aug. 1.
