Bendigo Foodshare is hoping a late burst of donations to the Million Meals in March campaign will help them close in on their $63,000 target.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The number sat at $22,533 last Friday, more than $40,000 short of their target.
The Million Meals in March campaign aims to raise $63,000 during March in order to be able to supply 1 million meals to Bendigo who have fallen on hard times.
Chair of the Bendigo Foodshare board Cathie Steele said she was expecting a burst of donations at the end of March.
“Quite a few places are still doing events and things for us. We might fall a bit short, so we need a big push,” she said.
“There has been more individual donations this year, which is great because it shows the support is there.
“If lots people give a small amount we’ll get there. There have been less big donations than last year and they make the difference. Any business still thinking about donating should do so.”
Ms Steele said plenty of support was offered when Foodshare volunteers rattled tins at the Alexandra Fountain last weekend.
“One middle-aged woman donated $10 and said it was the best cause in town,” she said.
“She had been a recipient of Foodshare and that's heart of it – people who have had problems and are back on feet donating money.
“That $10 is 160 meals. So she has given back more than she got. It doesn't take much to do that. Things like that are beautiful.
“Last year Christine Nixon donated her speech fee to get us over the line. So we appeal to everyone to help.”
Ms Steele said she had been to a number of events organised by local businesses to raise money.
“More Bendigo people know about it and businesses are getting behind us,” she said.
“Businesses are doing a great job. Almost all (local) staff I have spoken to have heard of us and are keen to see it work.
“Bendigo Toyata are collecting food during the month and we have also had a few people dropping in to give us food.”
Log on to www.bendigofoodshare.org.au/million-meals-in-march to find out how to donate.