Reunion Island Coffee, a Toronto specialty roaster, announced today that they are hosting a new fundraising event this holiday season. The concept marries coffee and art to raise money for healthcare in developing countries while supporting local environmental initiatives at the same time. All proceeds from the ‘One Less Paper Cup’ Fundraiser will go to Grounds for Health—an organization that works in the coffee-growing communities of developing countries to provide women with cervical cancer education, screenings and treatment. Reunion Island product specialist Adam Pesce explains, “In the coffee industry's efforts to make our product as sustainable as possible, we have come to realize that empowering and assisting women in every way possible is a top priority.” To support this cause, fifteen contemporary Canadian artists volunteered to donate their talents toward converting white ceramic cups into pieces of art. The unique ceramic cups are styled after the ubiquitous white paper cup, complete with silicone lid to match the standard takeout cup. Artists working on the project include Dean Drever, Jason Maclean and Paul Butler. On Tuesday, December 8, all fifteen pieces will be presented at a silent auction to be held at café/bar UNIT—a popular artists’ haunt at 1198 Queen West in Toronto. The event will be open-house style and run from 5 to 10PM, with the auction ending at 9PM. It will feature celebrity barista Sam James creating espresso drinks made with Reunion Island’s celebrated Bullet espresso (sales of which also support Grounds for Health).