Three years ago, linuxcaffe was a construction site, and as co-founder/ designer/ carpenter/ plumber/ chief enthusiast, I was hard at work turning an old convenience store into a cultural landmark. It took well over a year to transform the space, using old tools, found materials and every cent Lena and I could scrape together from family and cinematography, and on June 12th, 2005, linuxcaffe was opened to the public.

With the help of some of the countries most talented programmers/ administrators/ advocates, the caffe has converted this quiet corner, opposite a beautiful park, into a cozy community hub, a working model of an all-free-software enterprise, and the focal point of an emerging global phenomenon.

Since that time, tens of thousands of people have had a chance to visit, and many have fallen in love with the unique spirit. We cater to their most basic needs, with simple nutritious fare, while simultaneously and unapologetically fueling their favorite vices; coffee, sweets and the internet. This place has become favorite to such a diverse clientèle, all ages, races, religions, orientations and occupations, that a list would be exhaustive. People almost always respond well to the atmosphere of welcomeness, openness, respect and understanding that we have carefully nurtured. It is a fusion of primary operating principal, personal philosophy, and an extension of the spirit that drives open source. You can feel it as soon as you walk through the door.

linuxcaffe is important. As a meeting place for neighbours, local artists and activists, it offers something that the shops on Bloor and the clubs on College cannot. Neighbours turn to us for help and advice. Students and Teachers, creative content producers and consumers, Newbies and Gurus cross paths and cross pollinate. As flag-bearers for the Free Software movement, no other venue in North America offers new linux users, developers and advocates a similar place to meet and exchange ideas in the company of artists and regular folk.

To say that it has not been easy to get this far, would be a gross understatement. From shortly after signing the lease in late 2003, the development has had to overcome seemingly insurmountable hurdles. From the onset, it has been one huge challenge after another, from design and construction constraints, to learning how to operate a caffe, and doing so from meager personal finances while carrying debt has made it much more difficult. I have been servicing the caffe for 18 hours/day, 7 days/week, for almost three years, fired by positive feedback and still guided by the original plan, but mired by debt, and unable to afford to make the many small changes required to reach solid ground. It's a stalemate; too broke and working too hard to upgrade operations in order to realize efficiencies nor the profit potential. In this condition, changes can only happen incrementally, and depend on a steady flow of regular customers and the goodwill of volunteers. It took almost two years to groom the administration to the point where proper tax submissions could be made, and then those back-taxes became payable during the winter slow season. Net result; swamped and in financial jeopardy.

And that's where you come in. Simply put, if linuxcaffe does not receive even stronger support from the communities we serve, it may shortly cease to exist.

While it is embarrassing to admit to personal shortcomings, that is better than failing quietly. If there are individuals who appreciate the central role in the communities, the uniqueness and the potential of linuxcaffe, and are willing and able to help, now is the time. The next phases of the plan, if we can realize them, will see us engaging in even more community involvement, and offering many new and exciting products and services and achieving long term stability.

This is a fund raiser/ membership drive/
search for Angel investor(s)

If you want to help;

• buy more stuff
• over tip
• tell more people
• become a member
• donate
• become an Angel

I promise to do everything in my power, to leave no stone unturned, to continue my relentless efforts to ensure that linuxcaffe can continue to be a neighbourhood oasis and meetingplace, a home for local artists and venue for their work, and an example of how openness and sharing can be successfully manifested in a physical space.

with love and faith and sincerity,

thank you

David J Patrick
CEO and Janitor
linuxcaffe