Fitness initiative returns in support of the SoupBus

SMYTHESDALE’S Genki Fit is calling on the community to support the Ballarat SoupBus in the lead-up to World Hunger Day on Wednesday 28 May.

The Fill the Bus Ballarat campaign aims to collect 500 essential items for the Ballarat SoupBus to be distributed to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

Individuals, schools, workplaces and clubs are invited to contribute non-perishable food, toiletries, socks and essentials.

Genki Fit instructor Jaymee Ellis has worked to provide accessible fitness opportunities in regional Victoria for more than 15 years and she said the initiative is about moving with purpose.

“Even though I know times are tough for a lot of people, and not just people who are potentially

going hungry, I think it’s really important to come together as a community,” she said.

“If 500 people come together and each donate one item, that’s already such a massive contribution.”

Genki Fit’s charity workout Sweat for the SoupBus will return as part of the campaign on Wednesday 28 May at the Woady Yaloak

Recreation Reserve. Participants are invited to bring $5 worth of food or essential goods instead of paying a participation fee.

The Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club is also involved in the initiative, collecting donations in the lead-up to World Hunger Day.

SoupBus Ballarat’s food coordinator, Lynda McDonald, said the need for donations continues to increase.

“The need has just got higher again, it’s continued to rise,” she said.

“Any donations we get we really, really appreciate because at the moment everyone is having a difficult time.

“We’re local, we’re totally volunteer-based, and those spaghettis will go directly to someone who needs them.”

Donations can be brought to Genki Fit classes, participating community hubs, or the Sweat for the SoupBus event.

For more information, visit the Genki Fit website.