By Lachlan Ellis<\/p>\n
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\u2019s as simple as buying a coffee.<\/p>\n
Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) is running the \u2018Coin for a Cause\u2019 program, which began earlier this month and will run until the week of Easter.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
BUTPIF founder and 2022 Moorabool Citizen of the Year, Judy D\u2019Attoma, said the initiative had already raised money for those in need, to provide them with blankets and warm clothes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoin for a Cause is raising funds for 31 days through March and April, for what we call \u2018cosy packs\u2019 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,\u201d Ms D\u2019Attoma told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2019s going towards a great cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kym Schubert is the owner of Bake and Brew Caf\u00e9 in Bacchus Marsh, and said getting involved with Coin for a Cause was an easy decision to make.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a great initiative. Judy is amazing and people out there need help, so getting on-board was really a no-brainer,\u201d Ms Schubert said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well as doing Coin for a Cause, we\u2019re also hosting a donation box, and we\u2019re going to be doing BUTPIF voucher redemptions here as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Entry is $5, or $20 for a family.<\/p>\n
For more information on Coin for a Cause and the businesses taking part, visit the Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward Facebook page.<\/p>\n
The Coin for a Cause initiative is proudly sponsored by the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s as simple as buying a coffee. Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) is running the \u2018Coin for a Cause\u2019 program, which began earlier this month […]<\/p>\n