Shoppers are already familiar with Georgia’s coloured-in box at Ballan IGA but the pint-sized seven-year-old is asking them to dig deeper to help out the Ballarat Soup Bus.
Georgia started a food drive last year, using her decorated box as a collection point for cans and packet foods.
At the time, she was working toward her promise badge as a Joey in the 1st Ballan Scouts group.
She’s now a Cub and is taking her efforts one step further, this year asking for non-perishable food, blankets, coats and men’s shoes to help people in need.
Her father Leo Stibbard, a Cub leader, said being an ambassador for the Ballarat Soup Bus last year planted a seed of generosity in Georgia.
“When we first went into IGA to collect the box last year, I saw Georgia’s box was empty and thought, ‘oh no’,” Mr Stibbard said.
“I sent Georgia down the back of the store … and quickly ran around to collect some things to put in the box just to make her day.”
But a staff member ushered the father and daughter to the storeroom where 18 large boxes of donated goods from the community were awaiting collection.
“She was super excited and glowing to see what the residents of Ballan had donated,” Mr Stibbard said.
“I know from watching Georgia grow, that she’s gaining a lot from doing this and being part of the community.
Georgia’s 2017 efforts earned her the prestigious Messenger of Peace badge and led to a nomination for Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year by Ballarat Soup Bus volunteers.
Details: www.scoutsvictoria.com.au
