Fill the Bus Ballarat: A Community Initiative for World Hunger Day

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. All donations will go directly to the Ballarat SoupBus.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Led by Genki Fit’s instructor Jaymee Ellis, this initiative invites individuals, schools, workplaces, and local clubs to come together. They can contribute non-perishable food, toiletries, warm socks, and other basic essentials. Jaymee, who has dedicated over 15 years to delivering inclusive and affordable fitness opportunities in regional Victoria, emphasizes that 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,” she says. “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.”

Community Donation Challenge

The campaign features a community-wide donation challenge. It also includes the return of Genki Fit’s charity workout, Sweat for the SoupBus. This event will be held at the Smythesdale Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, 28th of May. Entry to the class is 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 this campaign will support The SoupBus, a grassroots organization run by dedicated volunteers. They 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.

Why This Matters

The importance of initiatives like these cannot be overstated. Every item donated represents a small act of kindness that adds up to a significant impact on people's lives. As we see in our everyday interactions, community plays a crucial role in supporting those in need. By uniting for this cause, we can foster a caring environment that strengthens our bonds.

Real-Time Progress Updates

Genki Fit will display real-time progress on their website through an animated “fillable bus” visual tracker. As donations increase, the digital bus fills up. This feature allows the community to see the collective impact of their generosity in real time. It provides a tangible representation of what can be achieved when we come together for a common purpose.

Local junior football and netball club Woady Yaloak Warriors has signed on to participate in the campaign. The club plans to run a donation drive in a few weeks. This collaborative approach reinforces the sense of community, as local clubs step up to support their neighbors.

Moving Forward Together

“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.” Her words remind us that every effort counts, no matter how small.

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. Together, we can make a big difference.

Get Involved

If you would like to help, consider donating non-perishable items or spreading the word about this campaign. By doing so, you will be contributing to a cause that directly benefits those in need in our community. Let’s work together to fill that bus and make the lives of individuals experiencing hardship a bit brighter.

Contact Information

Media Contact:

Jaymee Ellis

0434 194 972

info@genkifit.com.au

Photo: Ballarat Times (Miriam Litwin)

ENDS