Servo’s kindness boosts crisis support

PEOPLE in need of emergency assistance were front of mind on APCO Foundation Kindness Day last Tuesday 21 July.

The APCO Alfredton service station was part of celebrations which aimed to raise money for the foundation’s mission to provide immediate financial support to people in crisis.

“It’s to raise money for community needs, like families and individuals who are in trouble,” said APCO Alfredton co-retail partner Ivor Riesewyk.

“For things like domestic violence, people have to get accommodation quickly, so APCO front up the money straight away and can pay for accommodation.”

Funds from every purchase of Chill Water, APCO oil, kindness hearts, barista-made coffee, cafe 24/7 ready-to-eat meals, and foundation lollies, soft drinks, beanies and socks went to the cause.

APCO Alfredton co-retail partner Olivia Bates said she liked how money raised by her customers and staff would stay in Ballarat.

“Even our staff have brought forward people that they know or customers that they’ve heard of that are struggling,” she said.

“So it could just be a customer that comes in that might have fallen on hard times and lost their job and the staff will tell us and then we basically go to the foundation and say could we support this person.”

Riesewyk said they always try to help where they can.

“We’re part of the community and we want to help the community as well,” he said.

Since 2013, the APCO Foundation has districuted more-than $3 million.

APCO Foundation chair Sharon Gleeson said the her organisation could act within days to help those in need.

“We’re the foundation for people who fall through the cracks,” she said.

“The elderly pensioner who can’t afford rent, the young mum fleeing family violence, families facing unexpected illness.

“Kindness Day is our way of celebrating every person who makes that work possible.”

Participants throughout July can buy kindness hearts. Names written on the hearts can be placed in the store’s Wall of Everyday Heroes.

20 cents from every coffee during July goes to the foundation.

More information at apcofoundation.com.au.