A “pay-it-forward” initiative in Bacchus Marsh means struggling residents need not go hungry.
Ten businesses are now taking part in the Bacchus Up: Pay It Forward scheme, which enables customers to donate money to help pay for meals for people in need.
Residents can collect vouchers from community organisations entitling the presenter to a free meal valued up to $10 at participating businesses.
Founder Judy D’Attoma says the scheme, which is popular at cafes in parts of the United States, has helped unite the community for a good cause.
“I saw stories on the internet of cafes allowing people to pay it forward for coffee or soup for homeless people, and I thought, why can’t I do that with food?” Ms D’Attoma said.
“I got in touch with a few local businesses at first and now there are 10 taking part in the scheme.”
She says the initiative’s benefits are available to anyone in Bacchus Marsh doing it tough.
“The pay-it-forward scheme isn’t just for homeless people,” she said.
“It’s for the lady down the road who’s struggling and just needs a treat.
“It’s for the single mums and the single dads to go out and have a nice meal instead of staying home and eating baked beans on toast.
“We have a pet groomer on board, as well. That service is particularly helpful to elderly resident who might have an unruly looking pet, which is often their companion, so they can have it groomed for free sometimes.”
Ms D’Attoma says she hopes to inspire more businesses to “pay it forward”.
Visit the Bacchus Up: Pay It Forward Facebook page for details on how to get involved.
