Bendigo Foodshare’s annual fundraising appeal Bendigo Bank Million Meals in May officially came to a close in May but thanks to overwhelming support from our community, donations continued to flow in throughout June and early July bringing the official fundraising tally to more than $76,500.

The ambitious campaign included the launch of the inaugural Soupfest, which saw cafés, restaurants, schools and community groups host soup-themed fundraisers, while approximately 150 businesses across greater Bendigo and Castlemaine collected donations towards the appeal.

Bendigo Foodshare’s Chair Cathie Steele said the appeal had resonated strongly with local people,