在環球金融危機與歐債危機期間,待用咖啡被視為是基層社會團結的象徵。2004年,一個慈善機構Ronde della carita在復活節舉辦了giornata nazionale del sospeso待用咖啡慈善活動。2010年,義大利幾個著重於人權的藝術節日上都舉辦了Rete del Caffè Sospeso慈善活動。2011年12月,Giornata del Caffè Sospeso慈善活動在國際人權日上舉行。還有一個網站“1café.org”專門籌募待用咖啡。
How about buying a cup of coffee for someone you’ll never meet? It may sound like the latest trend in showy barista techniques, but a "suspended coffee" is much more heartwarming than asnazzylatte.
Born in the cafes of Italy’s southern city of Naples, the "caffe sospeso" (which literally means “suspended coffee”) is a tradition in which someone pays in advance for an extra cup or two, which can then be consumed by a coffee-drinker-in-need later in the day.
A customer-in-need can then later ask if there is a “suspended coffee” available and have a hot drink without having to pay for it.
The idea has become an international internet sensation with coffee shops in Europe and North America participating in the movement. The Facebook page alone has more than 28,000 “likes.”
The tradition of “suspended coffee” is a long-standing tradition in Italy that increased in popularity after the Second World War. Agence France-Presse reported last week that the practice was starting to take hold in other European countries hit hard economically. More than 150 cafés in Bulgaria were taking part.
At cafes that participate in the custom, customers can ask if there are any “suspended coffees” available, and if so, they are supplied with a beverage, thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
This story will warm you better than a coffee in a cold winter day:
"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we're approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter - 'Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended' They pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend: 'What are those 'suspended' coffees ?' 'Wait for it and you will see' Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'. While I still wonder what's the deal with those 'suspended' coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks 'Do you have a suspended coffee ?' It's simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."