Where would you go tonight if you had the urge to hear live music at a café that gives back to the community? If you live in Victoria, that’s an easy craving to satisfy. All you need to do is head down to The Cornerstone Café! Not only does this café host an open mic night every Friday, but it’s also a social enterprise that reinvests its profits locally.
The Cornerstone Café, which is located in Victoria’s revitalized Cornerstone Building, is proudly owned and operated by the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resources Group Society (NRG). All revenues earned by the café are reinvested in the community through Fernwood NRG’s programs and services. In addition to serving a variety of delicious snacks and beverages, The Cornerstone Café features coffee that is locally roasted by Discovery Coffee. Those who choose to take some ground or whole bean coffee home will be happy to know that $5 from each pound sold is reinvested in programs and services in Fernwood. And if you’re worried about environmental impact, rest assured that The Cornerstone Café produces nearly zero waste thanks to their composting and recycling efforts. They also have free wireless Internet, bulletin boards filled with community postings, live bluegrass on Wednesday nights, and art exhibits featuring the work of emerging local artists.
To find out more about The Cornerstone Cafe, check out their website and follow their updates on Twitter via @Cornerstoneyyj.
Ps. If you have a favourite Canadian social enterprise to share with us, we’d love to hear from you in the comments section!