Network support for SoupBus

OVER recent months, the Ballarat Business Women network has raised hundreds of dollars for a key emergency relief operation.

The organisation has raised $880 for The SoupBus, collecting gold coin and cash donations, and running raffles at their regular networking events.

Ballarat Business Women chair Margi Cousins said The SoupBus is a cause the group has supported long-term, and they will continue to do so.

“We’re a first world country, and more than 500 people sleep rough every night in Ballarat. Think about doing that on our frosty winter nights,” she said.

“Many of these people that are in trouble are women who have been affected by domestic violence, and that’s been exacerbated by the lockdowns and pressures of COVID.

“As a female group, we’re striving to support groups that give women back their dignity if they have nowhere else to go, and are living their lives in fear for themselves and their children. That shouldn’t be happening here in Ballarat.”

Ms Cousins said when The SoupBus is short on particular supplies, or is in need of maintenance, the network spreads the word to members and beyond, collecting and donating cash, or items the bus’ team are seeking.

“The bigger the sphere of influence, the better the outcome. Ballarat will dig deep if they know,” she said.

The SoupBus accepts financial donations which will benefit the whole project, but are always in need of supplies like tea, coffee, sugar, and non-perishables like canned meals.