Rustik pays it forward to support homeless charity

By Simon Ruppert

Aug 4, 2022

Stepping up: Rustik Café and Foodstore's Nick Brodie, Michael Hausner and Stacy Simon are encouraging local people to support Ovens Murray and Goulburn Homelessness Network's fundraising. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Benalla’s Rustik Café and Foodstore spent last week supporting the Ovens Murray and Goulburn Homelessness Network’s Pay it Forward campaign.

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The idea behind the campaign was for people lucky enough to have a roof over their heads to share their good fortune by doing something kind for someone else.

With a cold winter and a lot of forecast rain, the ordeal of people experiencing homelessness is about as bad as it can be.

During Homelessness Week, from August 1 to 7, community members could purchase a coffee or a meal from Rustik that was redeemable by a person in need at a later date.

Rustik’s Nick Brodie said the work of homeless charities was vital, not just at this time of year.

“People came in, gave a donation of anything from a few dollars to whatever they could afford, and through the charity we made sure that went to someone who needed it,” he said.

“These charities give out blankets and pillows and warm clothing to help people sleeping on the streets, which is so important when you don’t have anywhere to stay.

“And if we, or the community, could help by giving them a meal, that’s really important.”

Whilst that campaign was running throughout homelessness week, you can still donate at any time of year by visiting www.givenow.com.au/ruralhousingnetwork