John Smit captained the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007.

He went on to set up The John Smit Foundation, which supports orphaned and sexually abused children, among other worthy causes.

John Smit says that he pondered on ways that his John Smit Foundation could raise funds for:
  • the Bobbi Bear Foundation, which supports sexually abused children
  • the LIV Village, which looks after orphaned and vulnerable children, and
  • The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund, which was set up to care for seriously injured rugby players as well as many others in need.
He then asked, "Could every cup of delicious coffee you drink bring some warmth and comfort to those less fortunate than yourself?" 

Knowing how many people love coffee, Smit says that knew he was onto something, and he recalls that he "turned to Famous Brands Coffee Company because it produces coffee South Africans enjoy every day at Mugg & Bean, Wimpy, Vovo Telo and other Famous Brands franchises. I knew that if anyone could develop a great blend that would appeal to coffee drinkers, it was this brand."

"We were extremely happy to collaborate with Smit on developing a special coffee blend," says Brian Best, MD of Famous Brands Coffee Company. "We developed Barney's Blend as a coffee we felt would appeal to the majority of South African coffee drinkers."

The blend was named Barney's Blend because John's foundation is more affectionately known as 'Barney's Army'. 

Smit says, "It's a way of finding comfort in a great cup of coffee while, at the same time, helping to give comfort to those less fortunate. I'd love to see companies supporting Barney's Blend in their office coffee machines too — and to be able to publicly thank them for supporting Barney's Army," concludes Smit.

Individuals are encouraged to order the coffee blend here

For more information, visit www.barneysarmy.co.za. You can also follow The John Smit Foundation on Facebook.