Canberra social enterprise Krofne Donuts has started selling its sweet treats online in a bid to keep its 22 staff, including 16 people with special needs, in jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The shutdown caused by the virus has seen the business have to stand down all its staff - 16 people with intellectual disabilities, four support workers and two kitchen staff.
The social distancing regulations saw the business shut down three weeks ago.
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"We're not doing any pop-ups and we were doing up to eight pop-ups a week, owner Danijela Vrkic said.
Online ordering was, hopefully, a lifeline.
The business would be making contact-less deliveries across Canberra, Queanbeyan and Googong.
Delivery of six of the European-style donuts is $32 to anywhere in Canberra. Extra donuts can be added for additional charges.
Flavours include rosehip jam, choc hazelnut, vanilla slice, caramel custard, strawberry glaze, cinnamon and roasted pecan with vanilla glaze. There are vegan options also.
Orders can be made at krofne.com.au
"At the end of the day, purchasing our products will help keep some of the most vulnerable in our community employed," Mrs Vrkic said.
Mrs Vrkic and her husband John started the business in 2016, initially to provide meaningful employment for their son Anthony, who has Down syndrome. And it has grown and grown, the European yeast-style donuts winning fans, but also the staff such as Anthony, attracting many loyal customers.
The shutdown of the business due to coronavirus was hitting the staff hard, not only because of the loss of their livelihood, but the absence of structure and routine to their day.
"They're devastated," she said.
Mrs Vrkic said the business was looking further into whether the staff were eligible for the federal government's JobKeeper scheme.
"We've applied for everything we can. A lot of our staff are casual," she said.
She hoped Canberra would get behind the online ordering and keep the staff busy, occupied and engaged.
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Megan Doherty
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au
