Call to lend a helping hand

WITH many feeling the cost-of-living pinch, a Bannockburn man is looking to collect vouchers to support those in need.

Since the start of the year, Zachary Hickleton has been doing his part for his community, hosting several charity drives and personally donating support packages to people.

He said vouchers are an ideal way to help.

“Mainly it’ll be Woolworths vouchers,” he said. “They’re the best options to have. I’ve had people donate food which can be difficult because it might not last.

“Vouchers are an easy thing to collect and give away, and it gives the person the option to buy what they need.”

Mr Hickleton donated $500 worth of vouchers to kick off the initiative, and said he’d received about 10 responses within the first day of going public.

His altruistic streak started earlier this year when he decided to go alcohol-free throughout 2023 in support of Beyond Blue.

“That was where it started but I’ve always done little things personally like buying peoples’ coffees or lunches to give them a smile,” he said.

“There’s no better feeling than doing something good for someone.”

A Bannockburn resident of roughly three decades, Mr Hickleton said he aims to personally deliver the vouchers as requested.

“I get people to message me if they’re struggling or they’ll reach out,” he said.

“If they don’t want to be known, it’ll be anonymous donation. I’ve sort of got a database of people I’ve helped in the past that I can help again.

“I’ll post these ideas up and it’s amazing, the buy-in you get from the community. I’ve had other people join to mow someone’s lawn for free., and encouraging people to support each other.

“I just enjoy helping people, especially those in my community, and I know there’s a lot of people who’ve been finding it tough.”

Having put his latest call out for vouchers last week, Mr Hickleton’s drive is an ongoing one.

Vouchers can be either sent to Mr Hickleton or dropped off at Bannockburn’s Stockdale and Leggo during business hours.