A coin for a cause

By Lachlan Ellis

A new fundraising initiative is calling on the community and local businesses to help keep the less fortunate warm as the colder months approach, and it’s as simple as buying a coffee.

Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) is running the ‘Coin for a Cause’ program, which began earlier this month and will run until the week of Easter.

Local businesses have been chipping in by donating portions of their sales to the cause, from 50 cents a sale to $1, and others have made donations in the hundreds.

BUTPIF founder and 2022 Moorabool Citizen of the Year, Judy D’Attoma, said the initiative had already raised money for those in need, to provide them with blankets and warm clothes.

“Coin for a Cause is raising funds for 31 days through March and April, for what we call ‘cosy packs’ to be distributed through organisations around Bacchus Marsh. They will include an Oodie-style blanket, a blanket, thermal socks and gloves, and a beanie for people who are homeless, the elderly, people escaping domestic violence with only the clothes on their back,” Ms D’Attoma told the Moorabool News.

“The response from the community and local businesses has been absolutely incredible. They love getting on-board, and that they get the exposure and the community can see where the donations are coming from. The community love getting involved too, because they show up and spend their money, knowing it’s going towards a great cause.”

Kym Schubert is the owner of Bake and Brew Café in Bacchus Marsh, and said getting involved with Coin for a Cause was an easy decision to make.

“It’s just a great initiative. Judy is amazing and people out there need help, so getting on-board was really a no-brainer,” Ms Schubert said.

“As well as doing Coin for a Cause, we’re also hosting a donation box, and we’re going to be doing BUTPIF voucher redemptions here as well.”

On top of the donations from local businesses, BUTPIF is also hosting a movie night on Friday 31 March at Maddingley Park, with all proceeds going to Coin for a Cause. Food trucks will arrive from 5.30 pm and the movie, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, will begin at 7.30 pm.

Entry is $5, or $20 for a family.

For more information on Coin for a Cause and the businesses taking part, visit the Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward Facebook page.

The Coin for a Cause initiative is proudly sponsored by the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch.