by EH
In the heart of Trieste, coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a cultural ritual, a source of pride, and now, a vehicle for generosity. Over 160 businesses in Trieste have joined the solidarity campaign “Offer a Very Good Coffee”, an initiative that uses the city’s love for coffee to support families of children undergoing surgery.
The campaign, launched by A.B.C. (Association for Surgical Children of Burlo) in collaboration with local businesses and organizations, including Confcommercio and Fipe Trieste, takes inspiration from the Neapolitan tradition of the “caffè sospeso”—a suspended coffee left prepaid for someone in need. In Trieste, the idea goes a step further: patrons are invited to donate the value of a coffee at participating establishments, with proceeds supporting A.B.C.’s programs for young patients at the Burlo Garofolo Pediatric Surgery Department and their families.
Brightly decorated wooden collection boxes, adorned with the campaign’s emblem, can be found near the cash registers of cafes, shops, and restaurants across the city. A modest gesture—the cost of a single coffee—can help fund essential care, support services, and accommodations for families during a stressful time.
“Coffee has always been central to Trieste’s identity,” said a spokesperson for A.B.C. “This campaign bridges our daily rituals with an act of solidarity that embodies the spirit of our community.”
A Chance to Give Back—and Win
This year’s campaign introduces a new twist: a raffle aimed at thanking donors for their generosity. By scanning a QR code on the collection boxes, participants can enter the “Win a Very Good Prize” contest, adding an element of fun to their philanthropy.
The campaign will run through February, giving Triestini and visitors alike ample time to participate.
Brewing Connections
Trieste’s love affair with coffee dates back centuries, as the city once served as a hub for coffee imports during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, its thriving coffee culture is an integral part of its charm, drawing visitors from around the world to its historic cafes.
By intertwining this tradition with a cause that supports the city’s most vulnerable, “Offer a Very Good Coffee” highlights the power of small acts of kindness to create meaningful change.
For more information on how to participate, visit the campaign’s official page at abcburlo.it.
