General News
28 February, 2026
Every swipe counts
SHOPPING at Ritchies IGA is delivering a substantial benefit for multiple community groups across Ararat. Every week, hundreds of Ararat residents walk through the doors of the local IGA to pick up the essentials, and by swiping their free membership card, they are quietly helping fund schools, emergency services and community groups across the town.
Every time a purchase is made, a percentage of the sale goes to the card holders nominated community group.
Over the past year alone, the Ritchies IGA Community Benefit Program has returned tens of thousands of dollars to Ararat organisations, including substantial amounts to East Grampians Health Service, Ararat CFA and Ararat Primary School.
Community Benefit Co-ordinator Penny Sayer said the program, which began in 1993, had now returned more than $55 million to community organisations nationwide.
“The beautiful part of the program is that customers get to choose who benefits,” Ms Sayer said. “In country towns, people really value being able to keep that support local.”
Ararat IGA’s Jean Thomas said local shoppers were making a great difference to the community.
“We encourage them to join up because it’s giving back to the community without actually costing them anything.
“It’s a substantial amount of money being donated every month,” she said.
Across the district, thousands of dollars has been directed to community organisations ovwer the past year including East Grampians Health Service - Ararat Hospital ($6,493), Ararat Primary School ($3,354), Ararat Ambulance Auxiliary ($2,807), Ararat Fire Brigade ($2,470), Ararat Emergency Relief Committee ($1,659), Ararat West Primary School ($1,603), Ararat Lions Club ($1,580), Ararat & District Junior Football Association ($1,457), St Vincent de Paul Ararat ($1,133) and Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club ($1,021).
Ararat CFA Captain Ash Turnham said the Community Benefits Program was helping the brigade with new equipment.
“It certainly helps us to purchase and update equipment.
“I know in the past we’ve used the money that has been raised from IGA to update our branches that we use when fighting fires. Every little bit helps for us,” he said.
“We get some money from the government but every little bit extra helps in some way.”
Shoppers can collect a Community Benefits card from Ritchies IGA where staff will also assist with the registration process if required.
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