Eclectic Tastes owner Margo Pettit raised over $1000 on Wednesday night, which will go to Coles charity vouchers. 

These will be distributed by UnitingCare to people using the crisis services. 

Ms Pettit said it was an easy fundraiser that allowed them to have a nice feed and also give a incredibly important service some help. 

“Every year, we put on a dinner, and this time 40 people came into the cafe. They pay $50 each, basically the same as a pub meal, and all the money raised goes to buy Coles vouchers,” she said. 

“That’s gone to outreach, so the ($25 vouchers) can go to things like if a mum needs nappies she can go and get them.” 

UnitingCare housing and crisis support manager Wendy Ferguson said the $25 in help was a real boost to someone on the very edge. 

“We’ll use the vouchers as part of emergency relief,” she said. 

“This would be for someone in need of some extra help, maybe they had to pay something, like a bill, and then there is nothing for groceries. They can then use our vouchers.”

After a long cold winter bill will hurt in the coming weeks and there is more need than ever in the sector. 

Service providers have reported increases in the number of homeless people this winter, as they struggle with emergency housing stock for some groups and long-term public housing for many people. 

UnitingCare does all the intake work for those needing emergency housing, and helps those struggling through programs like Breezeway, which gives many people a meal when they would otherwise go hungry. 

Ms Ferguson said those wanting to help out could drop the Coles charity vouchers or donate money through their website. 

Ms Pettit said she hoped her example might encourage more people to donate. 

“This is something we’ll do each year,” she said. 

“Hopefully it might snowball into something bigger, and people follow the example.” 

For more information go to: 

www.unitingcareballarat.com.au/you-can-help