Cafe tip jar buys phones to help save lives
Charity drive
With the help of generous locals, The Hungry Pug cafe in Mareeba has made a huge difference by raising enough money to donate about 40 mobile phones to charity.
The phones, to be donated to the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service, will support people leaving abusive relationships, offering a safe and discreet way to stay connected with services, family, or emergency support.
About $2200 was raised through the cafe’s monthly community tip jar, including a remarkable $1000 contribution from an anonymous customer.
Local business NQ Mobile Hub also stepped in, donating five of the phones directly.
Cafe owners Victoria and Simon Crosby say they’re blown away by the generosity.
“It is unreal how much support the community gives us, both in backing our business and supporting the causes we connect them to,” Mrs Crosby says.
“Every month we try to shine a bit of light.”
Since opening in 2020, the Crosbys have used their tip jar initiative to support schools, aged care, and now Meals on Wheels Mareeba, the next recipient of this month’s tips.
The idea began during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns, just months after opening their doors.
“We opened in January 2020. Covid hit us pretty hard. We were bored out of our minds, so we decided to spread some kindness,” Mrs Crosby says.
The Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service plays a crucial role in helping those affected by abuse.
Mobile phones are often one of the first and most important tools for people seeking help, offering privacy, mobility, and a vital link to support.
Mrs Crosby says her commitment to the cause is also personal.
She holds a connection to Annie Tracey, an employee at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Mungana, who was fatally shot in 1901 after refusing service to a miner.
She and her husband recently visited Annie’s grave to clean it and lay flowers.
Similar events recently left her in disbelief that, 124 years later, people are still facing violence simply for standing their ground, a sobering reminder that drives their efforts today.
The Hungry Pug has been a beloved part of the Mareeba community for six years, with the Crosbys recently committing to another decade after signing a new 10-year lease starting in 2026.
If you or someone you know are affected by domestic violence, call the domestic violence hotline on 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732.
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