N.S. coffee shop makes a 'paw-sitive' impact for animals in need

A Nova Scotia coffee spot is giving back to furry friends, one sip at a time.

"Something that me and the original owner aligned with is that we are both huge animal lovers and we love to be able to help animals, give back to animals, give them a good home and it's something that was very important to us during the launch of Rescue Coffee,” says Katie Lunn, owner and operator.

The online premium organic coffee company shares a passion for hot beverages and pets of all kinds. The products are also sold in person at Rescue Coffee’s sister company “The Coffee Pro.”

"We donate 10 per cent of our profits to the SPCA. We tend to do this quarterly and they are so appreciative of it because they have an influx of animals on a daily basis and every animal needs something different and it's nice to know that we are making a difference,” says Lunn.

Sarah Lyon with Nova Scotia SPCA says their contributions go a long way.

"Rescue Coffee is a great example that you don't have to be a multinational corporation to participate in the community and to give back. I think we see a lot of local businesses do it,” she says.

Rescue Coffee is a Nova Scotia-based company. (Source: Emma Convey/CTV News Atlantic)

Since 2016, Rescue Coffee has donated to animal shelters across Canada, including PAW in New Brunswick and PEI Humane Society.

"(Customers) love to feel good by purchasing a good cup of coffee and knowing that because of their purchase, they are helping animals in need,” says Lunn. "It goes towards programs, our paws and support, helping people fleeing intimate partner violence who need a place for their animal. It can go to our pet pantry, a food bank for pets, for families that are struggling, and it goes mostly to the day-to-day care of animals who are with us.”

Lunn says being able to give in this capacity makes her feel great.

“I love being able to help, especially when it comes to animals and it's a nice feeling knowing that we are doing something good with the money and with the company and that it's going to a good cause,” says Lunn.

Lunn says her long term goal is to grow the business and support even more furry friends in need. 

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.