The absence of The Coffee Guy van in Flat Bush this week is being felt by many as they mourn the loss of a beloved member of the community.
Arrie Brown, who has spent almost six years serving coffee to the residents along Stancombe Road, has passed away after suffering from a stroke on Saturday.
The church attended by Brown, ACK Howick, is now hoping to raise money for his wife Elma, who worked alongside her husband at The Coffee Guy.
A Givealittle page started by the church on Sunday aimed to raise funds with the idea that it would allow Elma to spend time with Brown while he was recuperating in hospital.
Pauli Bosch, a member of the church community and friend of the couple, says the money is needed even more now that Brown has passed away.
“Creating the Givealittle page is not just about helping Elma financially, but also to show her how loved they are in the community.”
All donations will go towards helping with daily financial obligations until Elma is able to return to work.
Bosch says the 70-year-old businessman was adored by his clients and their children.
“When he wasn’t making coffee he always had a smile and a wave for all the cars driving past,” she says.
“He was well known for that, even people who weren’t coffee drinkers say it made their day driving past him.”
The Givealittle page has received 100 donations so far, with dozens of heartfelt messages from members of the community.
To donate go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/arriebrownthecoffeeguyhowick.
