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IN A YEAR when consumer hoarding and panic buying hit the headlines, customer kindness and generosity has put Woolworths Ballarat Central in the supermarket giant's national spotlight
The Eastwood Street store has topped Victoria and Tasmania as Woolworths' community store of the year and runner-up nationally for its fundraising efforts and grassroots support work.
Woolworths Ballarat Central customer service manager Elysha Wilson said it had been a tough year for many people but it was special having so many customers giving to help others.
A Halloween token appeal raised about $3600 for Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
"I guess, it's been an unprecedented year as we sort of take it day-by-day in here. As a whole our customers have been really supportive," Ms Wilson said.
"We've had very little nastiness and how we've been treated is not like you saw in the media. Our customers were great because a lot are regulars, too.
"Our team really got on board in (fundraising) initiatives this year. You don't have to push it, they just do it."
As a whole our customers have been really supportive. We've had very little nastiness.
- Elysha Wilson, Woolworths Ballarat Central customer service manager
The awards also considers the store's contributions to programs like school breakfasts and Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
Ms Wilson said Woolworths was better prepared for buying trends leading into the second pandemic lockdown, making it smoother for customers and staff.
