By Renee Wood
A fundraiser has begun for Healesville businesses as lockdown six continues to see many shut and unable to welcome customers.
Healesville resident Madeline Ruffino started the gofundme page,‘Healesville Relief Movement’ to raise donations for small businesses, while encouraging locals to take a 4.5km walking challenge around town.
“I just set it up to keep people active and to try and empathize with all the businesses you usually walk past open, that now have their doors shut most days because they just cannot open – they’re not allowed to or it’s just not worth it, or they’ve just given up,” Ms Ruffino said.
Locals can make a donation by nominating a business for their cash to go to, so far 30 will receive support.
“They’ve chosen the business and the amount of money that they want to go there.
“It’s just there if you want to give money to a business, donate for a coffee or something just to try and help them, and to know that they’re being thought of and never forgotten.”
Herd Bar owner Toby Wiadrowski said local operators have been ‘truly touched’ by the initiative.
“At the end of the day Healesville is predominantly a tourist town and without the tourists, these little mum and dad businesses are really struggling.”
Mr Wiadrowski said it’s also great to raise awareness for how many small businesses there are in Healesville.
“By allowing the general public to nominate their preferred or maybe the small business that touches their heart, or they have a connection with some of the staff, I think it’s really important for the community side of things.”
Alongside the fundrasier, Ms Ruffino set a walking challenge of her own, vowing to walk a kilometre for every time a donation is received – it’s currently at 49kms.
“It will be very uncomfortable but so worth it. Every kilometre will be amazing and I’m happy to do it for the community,” Ms Ruffino said.
So far more than two thousand dollars has been raised with the fundraiser to continue until the lockdown ends.
For more information visit – https://www.gofundme.com/f/healesville-relief-movement
