In a powerful display of community spirit, thousands of essential groceries have been donated to help Meli bring hope and support to some of the region’s most vulnerable.
Throughout September, more than 2000 grocery items were donated across 12 Coles supermarkets in Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast as part of a dedicated campaign.
The donations – filling 21 trolleys and estimated to be worth more than $6000 – will provide vital support to individuals and families engaged with Meli’s Youth Services and Family Violence programs.
The initiative aimed to help people facing hardship, particularly those in emergency housing or receiving youth support.
The positive effects are already being felt, with one young person sharing how the donated items had made a difference to their life.
“To be able to take it for free, make some actual decent food or stack it away so I can save money and purchase other things is great,” they said.
The campaign focused on collecting non-perishable items, including pantry staples, quick meals, snacks, condiments, and kitchenware.
Donation boxes placed at participating stores encouraged the community to contribute nutritious and easy-to-prepare items.
Coles Geelong West Store Manager, Laura Pearce, said the team was proud to support Meli and help people in need.
“We have collection points set up most of the year at the front of our stores for the community to be able to donate non-perishable items,” she said.
“We see it as a way that we can support different community partners, which makes a big impact on the Geelong community.”
The campaign was also made possible through invaluable support from the Rotary Club of Kardinia, who provided help with pick-ups and drop-offs.
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