Kindness in Every Stitch
Purple Chickens Raise Funds for Local Care.
It was an ordinary day at the Purple Chicken Cafe when founder Jen Tait opened a mysterious package topped with a “Random Acts of Knitting and Crocheting Kindness” card. The box quickly became a symbol of generosity and local spirit. Arriving unannounced, it was filled with 64 hand-crocheted purple chickens, each one unique. The attached note simply read, “Do with them what you will, sell, display, giveaway. I don’t mind what you do.”
Since opening in October 2019, the Purple Chicken Cafe has focused on skill development, empowerment, and giving back to the community. Jen called a meeting with the café’s team to decide what to do with the generous donation, the answer was clear. “We’re going to pay it forward,” they agreed. “We’ll sell the purple chickens and donate the proceeds to Sunshine Trust. They’re local, and we all know someone affected by cancer.”
Purple Chicken Cafe is a place for growth, support, and community connection. Jen and her team have always wanted to offer skill development to people who face barriers to employment, especially carers and those with disabilities. With its flexible hours, the Purple Chicken has become a lifeline for women looking for opportunities to balance both work and family.
Alongside employees, 34 participants join the café each week to build skills, grow in confidence, and work toward a brighter future. Some attend one or two days a week, while others are there for three or more. When asked what makes Purple Chicken special, participant Anna says she loves working with friends and serving customers.
Chef Tracey says, “The team not only prepares and serves food, but they also cater off-site events. We’ve seen so many young people transition into jobs after their time here. That’s what this place is all about—teaching them the skills they need, so they can go out into the world and thrive.”
Purple Chicken Cafe has always been about more than just food. It’s about helping people find their way, overcome challenges, and grow. Thanks to this generous donor of plush purple chickens and the decision to pay it forward, the café has shown once again that small acts of kindness can ripple out and change lives for the better.
Photo: Purple Chicken Cafe participants proudly showing off the crochet purple chickens for sale. Back row, left to right: Thomas, Anna, and Carly. Front row, left to right: Paris, Melissa, and Kirste.
