A Brewed Bond: Emu Lane Coffee Cart’s token of appreciation to first responders

The owners of a popular Katanning coffee shop have found a unique way to repay the emergency services that helped their daughter after a car crash five weeks ago.

In a heartwarming display of gratitude and community spirit, Emu Lane Coffee Cart owners David and Julie Harries have pledged their support for local emergency services following the crash which involved their daughter.

Mr Harries said the cafe had since provided response crews with free frozen meals to store at their headquarters if they miss dinner or lunch due to attending emergencies.

“After they helped my daughter I asked them what they had for dinner, and they said they didn’t have anything,” he said.

“I thought it’s unfair for them to be providing immense care and help to people but not be able to eat.

“Now we donate frozen meals so if they are out on the job, they have something to come back to.”

Some of the scrumptious food they have supplied includes meatball pasta, Sri Lankan chicken curry, Moroccan lamb and bangers and mash.

At 5.40pm on Saturday, August 5, their 19-year-old daughter lost control of her Holden Rodeo and crashed into a ditch on Great Southern Highway about 15km from Katanning.

Emergency services from Katanning and Albany attended the scene and she did not sustain any serious injuries.

Mrs Harries said it was important for the community to show emergency crews the appreciation they deserved.

“It’s our way to give back to the services teams because they do so much for the community and it’s important they be acknowledged for that,” she said.

“We also give them 50 per cent off any coffees when they are in uniform as a token of our appreciation.”

Katanning Sen. Sgt Carlos Correia said his team was “extremely appreciative” of Emu Lane’s generosity.

“We are very thankful for what they are doing and every little bit adds up over time,” Sen. Sgt Correia said.