Ruby, a student at Scotch Oakburn, has started a pay it forward project for her EY8 program, which aims to promote 'servant leadership' - a way to benefit others.

After a brainstorming session with her parents, Ruby created the 'Thanks a Latte' project, designed to assist Launceston based charity Strike it Out Inc, who help feed the city's homeless population.

"I wanted to include Strike it Out in some way because they're a great organisation and I've had a history with them before, and then we came up with the idea of donating drinks to Strike it Out to give to people and that's how it started," she said.

The concept is simple - people can pay for their own drink, as well as $5 for a token, which is then passed on through Strike it Out.

Coffee cards are handed out at their evening meals, or to those who are seen as in need throughout the community, so people can treat themselves to a hot drink when it suits them.

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It may not seem like much to some - but to others, a little luxury like a hot drink on a cold day, can make a big impact.

"It's just nice, a hot drink - it's just easy," Ruby said.

"Food has different varieties and different prices, but drinks you can just set a limit to $5 and it could be really anything and it's their choice what they want."

After around a month of working on the idea, Ruby first approached local cafe Up York to see if they'd take part - seeking a mentor and feedback, and a starting point for the idea.

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Up York co-owner Phoebe Taylor said getting on board was a no brainer.

"We do see a lot of people that we think would really need a coffee and brighten up their day a bit, so it seemed a nice way to do it, especially how she has the tokens so it becomes legitimate," she said.

"Over the last year and a half there's a lot of people [doing it tough], I don't know whether it's the pandemic or the housing crisis, but it's definitely a lot bigger of an issue now.

"We've had a lot of people come in with the cards Ruby's made up, and had a lot of good feedback from it.

When approaching other businesses, Ruby said she received feedback that it was a nice initiative, and something people wanted to get on board with.

So far, Urban Espresso and Sweetbrew have taken the initiative on board - with signage explaining the Thanks a Latte project, and tokens for purchase.

"Sweetbrew already does something like that so they were very happy to be involved, and Urban Espresso were quite intrigued," she said.

Ruby is hoping to get the word out, so more people purchase tokens to be passed on, and is keen for businesses to contact her to take part.

"Hopefully we can include more coffee shops, we want to spread it as far as it can," she said.

"It started as a school project but hopefully we can grow it bigger from there."

"I don't know why anyone wouldn't do it," Ms Taylor added.

"For me personally I don't know why you would say no ... in these sort of times, definitely in Tasmania, we do need to support each other."

Mum Claudine couldn't be prouder of her daughter.

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"She goes and introduces herself and hands out the vouchers herself, it's all her doing it," she said.

"She's always been an empathetic sort of person, it's lovely to see that she wants to share it around in the community."

Tokens can be purchased for $5 from Up York on York Street, Urban Espresso on St John Street and Sweetbrew on George Street.

Any businesses interested in taking part can contact Ruby via the Thanks a Latte Facebook page.

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