Shop offers free hot drinks to emergency workers

Thursday 12 March 2020

The 19-year-old owner of a St. Clement shop is offering free hot drinks to all emergency services workers on duty who visit his shop.

Adam Ewens says staff from Emergency Services won’t have to queue for their tea or coffee at Samares Stores.

The young entrepreneur, who also runs a party rental company, took over the St. Clement-based shop nearly 12 months ago. 

“I had always wanted to have my own shop,” he told Express. “I started up my party rental company from scratch. When the shop came on the market, I used to live down there, I knew it was an amazing shop that could do so well. I have just always had that spark in me about being my own boss.”

Pictured: Samares Stores is on La Grande Route de St. Clement.

Since taking over the shop, Mr Ewens says he has been trying to “do small things and give back to the community”. “The shop is a convenience store, it’s all about giving back,” he said. “People who live nearby, it’s their local shop, they are welcome to come and have a chat.” 

His latest idea to give back to the local community is to offer free hot drinks to all emergency services workers. “They drive past there a lot. I just thought they could come in and not have to queue or pay to grab a drink,” he said.

“They shouldn’t be waiting when they have such short breaks. It’s something so small, everyone should be doing it. It does not break your bank account to offer free drinks to them. It’s just doing something nice when they are literally saving your lives.” 

Mr Ewens shared the news on the store Facebook page and says the response to the post has been “really amazing”.

“We are all about giving back to our community and we have decided to offer all on duty Emergency Services free hot tea or coffee when they are passing,” he wrote. “Simply make it at the machine, show a member of staff and off you go, as simple as that. No queuing required. Love Samares Stores.”

The Ambulance Service thanked him for the “generous gesture”, while the police wrote: ‘Thank you so much, what a lovely gesture and it's very much appreciated.”

Islanders also showed support for the idea, suggesting other businesses should do the same.

“So kind and considerate!!,” Chloe Godfray wrote” I’m sure all emergency services will appreciate your kindness. Setting an example to others.” 

“Only Samares Stores and Roberts garage offer this gesture of appreciation to our valuable frontline services,” Maria Millen added. “Perhaps other businesses should follow this example.” 

Nicki Brown not only praised Mr Ewens for the idea but also the emergency services for their “amazing job".