This winter the humble bowl of hot pumpkin soup is doing more than warming the cockles of
Tasmanian hearts, as A Mountain of Pumpkins for Charity initiative takes on the challenge to
produce home-grown, homemade pumpkin soup to raise vital funds for victims of child abuse.
Founder Martin Waldhoff from Fall Real Estate said the campaign was originally developed to
educate children about the fun and benefits of healthy eating, but had since grown into something
much more.
“We have both New Town and Campbell Street Primary Schools on board this year, with the kids
getting out into the garden learning how to grow food and create something they are excited about,
encouraging them to choose healthy options,” Mr Waldhoff said.
“Pumpkins take quite a long time to grow, so it’s a great way for them to understand where their food
comes from and that it is simple and fun to create your own vegie garden.”
“It’s fantastic to see young Tasmanians taking the initiative to establish a healthy eating culture, while
also contributing to another great cause that potentially affects them.”
All pumpkins grown by the students are being donated to the New Town Greenstore, which has
started cooking up a pumpkin soup storm, with $1 from every purchase going towards Bravehearts
who do incredible work to help victims of child abuse.”
“The generous support from schools, local businesses and the community now means that we are
able expand our awareness-raising efforts into raising money to help others, last year donating more
than 580kg of pumpkins to Foodbank,” Mr Waldhoff said.
A Mountain of Pumpkins for Charity campaign is running until 15 June and there is still a chance for
everyone to get involved by buying a donated pumpkin from any collection point or warming up
with a purchase of the homemade pumpkin soup.
Donated pumpkins can be purchased at New Town Greenstore, Fall Real Estate or New Town
Primary School.
Carla Johnson
