By Lachlan Ellis<\/p>\n
The coins have been counted for a local fundraiser, and over $10,000 has been raised to keep those less fortunate warm this winter.<\/p>\n
Local foundation Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) ran the \u2018Coin for a Cause\u2019 program over 31 days from March to April this year, asking local businesses to either donate a portion of their sales to the cause, or make a direct donation.<\/p>\n
39 businesses took up the call, with retail businesses donating between 50 cents to $1 from their sales over the 31 days, or making direct donations in the case of non-retail businesses like real estate agents. <\/p>\n
A sausage sizzle and a movie night were also held to raise funds, thanks to the support of the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch and Urban Markets.
\nIn total, $10,500 was raised, which meant 120 blanket-style hoodies, thermal blankets, thermal gloves, thermal beanies, and thermal socks were able to be bought by BUTPIF and put in \u2018cosy packs\u2019, for people who are homeless, elderly, or escaping domestic violence.<\/p>\n
BUTPIF founder Judy D\u2019Attoma said it was a fantastic result from local businesses and their customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was hospitality businesses that got involved mainly, but also some other retail businesses and real estate. They\u2019d donate a dollar a sale for the day, and we promoted them on the BUTPIF Facebook page. We were also able to promote them on Apple FM, letting people know they were fundraising and encouraging people to go there,\u201d she told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a great effort from businesses and the community I feel, the community helping keep the community warm really. It was great having the community come together to make this happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms D\u2019Attoma joked that her house \u201clooked a bit like a sweatshop\u201d with all the hoodies and blankets in it, but that they were now being distributed to those who need them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s three organisations distributing them in the cosy packs. We\u2019ve already got a few businesses who want to come on board if we do it again next year which it looks like we will, it\u2019s been quite successful,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNext year we\u2019ll run the movie screening a bit differently, we\u2019ll run it alongside a market and have a bit more happening. And we\u2019re going to do it during the day.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on the work done by BUTPIF, visit the Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward Facebook page, or head to www.butpif.org.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Lachlan Ellis The coins have been counted for a local fundraiser, and over $10,000 has been raised to keep those less fortunate warm this winter. Local foundation Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF) ran the \u2018Coin for a Cause\u2019 program over 31 days from March to April this year, asking local businesses to […]<\/p>\n