ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN
Saturday afternoons are a special time at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhaktok, thanks to a student-run coffee shop.

Chloe Kanayok makes a coffee for a customer at the student-run Coffee Shop at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhaktok on Jan. 30. - photo courtesy of Kathy Tollenaar

"It's phenomenal," said teacher Kathy Tollenaar.

"There are some pretty hectic times, but you look out and see how much people are enjoying each other and the space and that's really cool. I think the kids are seeing it, too. They're proud of it."

Known simply as Coffee Shop, the shop has been taking place at the school every other Saturday for about three years, Tollenaar said.

Between five and 10 students from Grades 7 to 12 volunteer each week for a shift, which typically runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. then from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students must show up half an hour before and stay half an hour after their shifts to help with set up and clean up.

Students help make the shop's lunch item, which ranges from chicken quesadillas to soup and bannock. Quiche is a special favourite, Tollenaar said.

Treats usually include cookies, bars and muffins or cake.

The shop has two espresso machines and a variety of flavoured coffees, teas and hot chocolate.

For ambiance, the classroom is decorated with mood lighting and students place centre pieces on the tables. Music playing in the background also helps set the coffee shop mood and there is an acoustic guitar that anyone can pick up and play. The shop is also equipped with a couch, a book shelf and tables where patrons are encouraged to sit and stay awhile.

"It is . the only place of its kind where you can sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and some nice baked stuff," she said. "There is quite a variety."

Advertising is done via Facebook and posters displayed at businesses throughout town.

What began as a way to fundraise for the school's graduation ceremonies has turned into something much more.

"Aside from the actual monetary part, it's seeing the kids grow in their skills when it comes to responsibility," said Tollenaar.

Each student is responsible for his or her own tasks, such as doing dishes, making drinks and serving patrons, as well as taking turns running the cash box - including making correct change when a customer purchases an item.

Multitasking, time management and math skills are all put to the test.

For Grade 7 student Elizabeth Meesters, running the cash is the best part of her shift.

"I like doing the cash because I get to learn people's names and I get to sit behind the counter and see how the coffees are made," she said.

Meesters said she's been volunteering since the beginning of the school year. When asked if she believes her math skills have improved since learning how to run the cash box her answer was simple.

"Definitely," she said.

Meesters said Coffee Shop has also taught her and other students about jobs not normally seen in Ulukhaktok.

"It's a cool thing for town and it's a nice way to teach the students how a restaurant and stuff works," she said. "It's a very cool experience."

Grade 10 student Nigel Kataoyak has been working at the Coffee Shop for the past two years and said serving is his favourite job.

"I learned how to serve people and when they say, 'Thank you', I say, 'You're welcome,'" he said.

Serving keeps him busy. As many as 75 people will come through the doors on a typical Saturday.

"There are some days when we are grossing anywhere between $700 and $900," Tollenaar said.

Money is put toward the school's graduation ceremony, as well as for sports teams and student council activities.

The students who volunteer receive a free drink and a treat at the end of their shift.

Though they aren't paid, Tollenaar said the shop is never short on volunteers.

"It's so cool that they know they're not getting anything out of it personally," she said. "They're doing this really for the experience and for the teamwork."

And also because it's fun.

"They have a blast," Tollenaar said.