The fundraising initiative is the brainchild of Scrumptious on Summer owner Suzy Glasby who three years ago decided to contribute to Legacy on Anzac Day.

 “We have served hundreds of coffees today, and we had people lined up right out to Summer Street,” Mrs Glasby said.

“When I looked up and saw all those young people who work for us going flat out and doing it with a smile on their face I felt so proud of them - it brought tears to my eyes.

“There’s nothing wrong with young people today - they do have a sense of duty in helping out by volunteering - and one even gave up tickets to go to a concert.”

Along with Soho on Summer and the Byng Street Cafe and Local Store, Mrs Glasby hopes to raise thousands of dollars for Legacy.

“When we started doing this three years ago many people said they hadn’t heard of Legacy, but that is I am sure because they go about their work quietly and not seeking publicity,” she said.

Mrs Glasby said the three coffee shops involved in yesterday’s fundraiser would  get together later in the week to tally the takings for the day and organise for the money to be handed over to Legacy in Orange.

“We are expecting it to be so much bigger next year,” Mrs Glasby said.

“After contacting Legacy in Sydney the chief executive officer thought it would be a wonderful idea to adopt this Australia-wide, so we are expecting a big campaign next year to get the word across.”

One woman yesterday handed over cash to a Scrumptious  staff member, saying she wanted to pay for the coffees of all serving or ex-service personnel who came in to the cafe wearing their medals.

She told the Central Western Daily she wanted to remain anonymous.

“This is not about me - it’s about them [service personnel] and I think the staff here are doing an amazing job,” she said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au