Thanks a Million: Ballarat Central Woolies staff nominated for their community support

The pandemic is testing us all, but the community spirit is alive and well in Ballarat Central, with the town’s local Woolworths leading state results for hunger relief fundraising.

Woolworths employee, Rochelle Dirks, checks the Halloween Token that customers buy as part of the Good Friday Appeal fundraising by Woolies. Picture Jay Town

IN an effort to celebrate the silent heroes that go above and beyond, the team at Woolworths Ballarat Central are being recognised by the supermarket giant for their continuous community support.

“Just recently, we were lucky to be awarded Victoria’s community store of the year, which was a great result,” said the supermarket’s manager, Shane Darroch. “Our team’s so active in charity work, which is helped by the fact the Ballarat community gets behind whatever we do.”

The business, which has operated in Ballarat for more than 50 years, leads Woolworths state results for their efforts in hunger relief fundraising through their support of the Feed Appeal and OzHarvest.

Woolworths employee, Rochelle Dirks, checks the Halloween Token that customers buy as part of the Good Friday Appeal fundraising by Woolies. Picture: Jay Town

“Our main fundraising efforts come through an initiative of ours, selling tokens that customers can buy and write a message of support on, which are displayed along the shopfront to show how our community is helping,” said Mr Darroch.

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The team are also actively involved in Woolworths’ seasonal ‘Good Act’ programs, which take place during Christmas, Easter and ever so timely, Halloween.

“Funds raised go towards the Royal Children’s Hospital, which is an organisation close to our hearts that we love to support,” said Mr Darroch.

Shane Darroch (centre) and his team Ballarat Woolworths team have been very big in community campaigns, including season programs around Christmas, Easter and Halloween. Picture: Jay Town

Woolworths Ballarat Central team have been nominated for the Thanks A Million campaign, which puts the spotlight on groups and individuals supporting their community throughout the pandemic.

“The team loves supporting the community in any way they can,” said Mr Darroch. “It gives them such an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction, knowing that they are supporting those that need it most.”