EAGLEHAWK community groups will launch a campaign in the new year to encourage individuals and businesses to be more caring.
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The 'People Matter' campaign is run by community organisation Empowering Eaglehawk and Bendigo Baptist Church, and is the brain-child of the church's pastor Brock Gravener.
The campaign urges people to make new year's resolutions in the form of a pledge about how they will 'make people matter' in a practical way.
"The goal is to bring people of different ages, cultures and backgrounds together so they know that they're important and that they matter," Mr Gravener said.
"We're calling people to come together and live a lifestyle where they love other people."
He said a big part of his job as a pastor was "creating healthy communities" and the campaign was an idea that came to him after spending time with a broad range of people.
Mr Gravener said there were a lot of needs in the community relating to poverty, abusive relationships and disadvantage and it would be good to see people making a greater effort to meet these needs.
"It's a big dream but we believe that people will grab hold of it. Everyone loves being loved."
It's a big dream but we believe that people will grab hold of it. Everyone loves being loved.
- Brock Gravener
"It doesn't matter your circumstance or background, you have something to offer."
Mr Gravener said businesses could make people matter by increasing their financial giving, focusing on customer relations and giving more than they take.
The People Matter campaign will be launched on January 4 and 11 from 6pm to 8pm at Canterbury Gardens in Eaglehawk.
Bendigo residents are invited to meet new people and be encouraged that they have something unique and special to offer the community.
Empowering Eaglehawk will fund free food, games and live music to create an atmosphere Mr Gravener hopes will encourage people to come.
Mr Gravener said the campaign might be difficult for people to understand because there was no money involved.
Empowering Eaglehawk member Greg Fathers said it made sense to launch the campaign in Eaglehawk because it was an accepting community.
Mr Fathers said it was an opportunity to break down a stereotype of "what people think a certain area is like".
People can email or text their pledges to show how they will make people matter. Text 0421 390 204 or email peoplematterpledge@gmail.com
