genU clients are doing their fair share of volunteering at a Geelong food charity that re-purposes large amounts of local baked goods, saving them from becoming landfill.   

Every fortnight, genU clients based at Cox Road commit to one morning of volunteering at Geelong Foodshare, tackling crates of out-of-date baked goods supplied by local supermarkets, including Coles, Aldi and Woolworths, and Routleys Bakery. 

With large green bins at the ready, the genU volunteers, including James, David, Ben, David and John, get busy unwrapping the baked items – from bread to buns – ensuring it’s plastic free and ready for easy transportation to an Anakie farmer to feed their livestock.

genU started volunteering on a regular basis at Geelong Foodshare about three years ago. For genU client David, volunteering as part of the unwrapping crew has been a chance to keep active and chat with friends, and he enjoys every aspect of being involved. 

“I like the whole lot – it gets me out into the community, and I am doing something,” he said, with an energetic smile. 

With almost 190 volunteers supporting the Geelong Foodshare purpose, the connection between genU volunteers and the charity has been enhanced by Geelong Foodshare’s coordinator Leigh, who oversees the unwrapping operation and provides support while the genU team gets the job done. 

As a thank you for the volunteer’s contribution, Geelong Foodshare donates meat, bread and food to the genU volunteers at the end of every term for a barbeque. The genU team gathered last month at the Connewarre Reserve to enjoy a feast and each other’s company to recognise their efforts supporting Geelong Foodshare.   

genU CEO Clare Amies said as part of National Volunteer Week, it was important to acknowledge how many small acts combined can create a large impact at the local level. 

“Our clients are grateful for every opportunity to make a contribution in their community, and are proud of being able to help,” she said. 

“We thank the Geelong Foodshare for inviting us to be involved in this initiative. The warm welcome our clients receive on site makes them feel part of the team and this really helps enhance the connection our clients feel to their community.”

Clare praised Geelong Foodshare for its 35-year commitment to providing food for families in need. 

“Foodshare’s support for people and the social impact they have created helps build the genuinely inclusive communities we all aim to achieve,” Clare said.