It brings me immense joy to be able to write this post for you guys today.
This past Saturday, we took a drive down to Special Knead Cafe, a small coffee shop that brings you nothing but joy and fuzzy feelings when visiting them.
Hiding in Fluffs-n-Tufts, this cafe is managed by Kim Rundle and Jenny Emslie, who's special need children work and operate in the cafe. Chris, Jenny's son is the resident pastry chef and bakes up a storm, serving up awesome treats like quiches, shortbread and assorted tartletts.
We arrived there around 13:00 on a Saturday afternoon, and found the fridge a little sparce, as they'd sold out of nearly everything. For once, we weren't irritated, but overjoyed at their success! And it just meant we'll have to go back even sooner to try out their treats.
Instead, we sampled the coffee and hot chocolate which were made and served by Phehello. The coffee was just how Connor liked it, strong. The hot chocolate was creamy and chocolatey and everything a good hot chocolate should be. It should be noted as well that even though this is a cafe with a difference, we experienced no difference in the service we received - it was prompt and professional.
We enjoyed the sunny afternoon with our coffee and Joshi Biscotti, another awesome product sold by the cafe in support of Joshi, a down syndrome boy who makes all the biscotti from home and sells it.
Just in case you were wondering, it is delicious and totally dunkable.
Before you enter the cafe, you are greeted with a sign that tells you that you are entering a kind zone,and are asked to exhibit patience and empathy in this space and let me tell you, upon entering, we felt nothing but love, understanding and joy. This definitely leaves an impression on every patron that passes through.
What Kim and Jenny are really trying to drive home is that there is no real no (k)need to just feel sorry for those of us who are mentally or physically handicapped. Instead, it is better to do something about it. Everyone is more than capable of finding their way in the world, some just need somewhere to do it. Everyone just needs that one opportunity, and that is what Kim and Jenny have done for their own children, and many other special need young adults out there.
Connor and I were beyond excited to visit this special place, and share it with all of you. We hope you can give them a visit and a get true understanding of what we mean when we say this place practically oozes love and warmth.
Ordering is simple, fill in a simple form from inside the wooden house, pay by card as they are a cash free facility for safety purposes, and pick a table in the sun and enjoy.
The lovely people at Special Knead are always looking for an extra hand, so if you feel you can help in any way, by volunteering yourself or something else, pop Kim Rundle a message/call on 082-415-1283 or email them at specialkneadcafe@gmail.com.
If you want to find out anymore information, check out their Facebook page - Special Knead Cafe, or head on over to the cafe and see for yourself!
Their address is 2 Sangster Road, Magaliessig.
Stay hungry for adventure, friends.
Steph and Connor