Judy D’Attoma started local charity Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward in 2018.
Since then, she has raised more than $30,000 worth of meals for people struggling in and around Bacchus Marsh.
But she doesn’t do it alone.
“This is an absolute team effort … everyone’s involved in one way or another: the businesses, the cafes, the bakeries, and the community members,” Ms D’Attoma said.
“It’s a win-win for everybody. The money stays in town and the locals are helping other locals.”
Residents can put money into one of 40 collection boxes, where the money is pooled and turned into vouchers valued at $10 for a meal from eight participating businesses in the area.
The vouchers can also be used for hygiene products and pet food.
Ms D’Attoma said there are a variety of reasons that have led to the need for this support.
“The majority of those that contact me are ones that are leaving a family violence situation,” she said.
“Covid has caused a lot of the issues and a lot of people lost their jobs [because of that]. Cost of living has also been a major factor.”
“Some people just can’t cope with everything that’s going on in the world right now.”
Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward also helps operate a community pantry in Darley and planted 30 fruit trees at primary schools to help children who are food insecure.
Ms D’Attoma said the reaction from those being helped was often quite emotional.
“A lot of them cry, so I’ll go and hug them and then I cry with them,” she said.
“They believe that no one notices them.”
Eddie Russell
