Pay it Forward Project

in 2019, Belgrave & Tecoma Township Group were successful in securing a $1000 grant, with thanks to the Yarra Ranges Township Network and Yarra Ranges Council. These funds along with an additional $300 contribution from BTTG were used for:

• Pay it forward meals/beverages at both The Eatery Café in Tecoma and Mareesa’s Café in Belgrave. (self-nominated by those struggling during lockdown)

• A Pay it Forward box of treats (delivered by The Eatery to those nominated anonymously by other community members who identified that the recipients were struggling during lockdown)

• Meals cooked by Aly at The Eatery and delivered to Foothills Care Community Casseroles program

Through conversations with Aly and Mareesa, it was identified that people were reluctant to self-nominate for support. We worked together to come up with the solution of anonymous donation delivery boxes, so that those who needed it could still receive support, but in a discreet way that did not require them to self-identify in a public setting (the café’s) and also did not require them to physically attend a location to receive the support, which also removed some barriers to accessibility.

Who benefited?

Members of the community who were struggling during COVID restrictions benefited through the donations and pay it forward program.

Members of the BTTG, Foothills Care and local business owners Aly and Mareesa also benefited through strengthened community connections and the building of supportive partnerships between groups.