Let’s Fill the Bus: Genki Fit’s Big Push for SoupBus
- May 18
- 2 min read
In the lead-up to World Hunger Day on 28 May, local fitness social enterprise Genki Fit is calling on the community to dig deep for a cause that’s close to home. The “Fill the Bus Ballarat” campaign aims to collect 500 essential items for those experiencing homelessness and hardship, with all donations going directly to the Ballarat SoupBus.
Led by Genki Fit’s instructor Jaymee Ellis, the initiative invites individuals, schools, workplaces and local clubs to come together and contribute non-perishable food, toiletries, warm socks and other basic essentials. Jaymee, who has dedicated more than 15 years to delivering inclusive and affordable fitness opportunities in regional Victoria, says this campaign is about moving with purpose and giving with heart.
“This isn’t just about cans of soup — it’s about restoring dignity and hope for people who are doing it tough,” says Jaymee. “World Hunger Day is a global initiative, but hunger is happening right here in Ballarat. Hunger lives quietly in our communities — among neighbours, classmates, and even the people we see every day. If each of us donates one item, we can do something really powerful.”
The campaign includes a community-wide donation challenge as well as the return of Genki Fit’s charity workout, Sweat for the SoupBus. The event will be held at the Smythesdale Recreation Reserve on Wednesday 28th of May, with entry to the class exchanged for $5 worth of food or essential goods. In 2024, the event filled an entire car with donations. This year, the goal is much bigger — to fill an entire bus.
All donations from the campaign will support The SoupBus, a grassroots organisation run by dedicated volunteers who provide hot meals, basic necessities, and conversation to those experiencing homelessness. The campaign encourages donations of canned food, long-life milk, tea, coffee, new socks, toiletries and other practical items.
Real-time progress will be displayed on Genki Fit’s website through an animated “fillable bus” visual tracker. As donations increase, the digital bus fills up, allowing the community to see the collective impact of their generosity in real time.
Local junior football and netball club the Woady Yaloak Warriors, have signed on to be part of the campaign, with the club set to run a donation drive in a few weeks' time.
“To me, this is what community is all about,” says Jaymee. “We get stronger together — not just in class, but by turning up when it really matters.”
The Fill the Bus Ballarat campaign will run until World Hunger Day on 28 May. Donations can be brought to Genki Fit classes, dropped off at participating community hubs, or brought to the Sweat for the SoupBus event itself.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Jaymee Ellis
0434 194 972
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