Mount Evelyn
YEAR IN REVIEW What made news in 2018 Tuesday, 8 January, 2019
A Mail News Group publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
The Soupee man PERSON OF THE YEAR
2018 By Derek Schlennstedt
There are very few people who have given as much back as Gavin (Soupee) Smith who has run Soupees in Upwey every friday evening, for nearlly 10 years. benefit program started ten years ago when he became aware of primary school children going hungry in the mornings, so he initiated a breakfast one day per week at Upwey and Upwey South Primary Schools. Of course, this wasn't enough, and soon he launched Upside Pathways Learning Centre to allow individuals to learn a craft or subject away from the normal academic stream - free and in a fun, casual environment.
Over winter Gavin also takes it upon himself to support marginalised members in St Kilda and provides donated blankets and other comforts while walking the streets and giving a friendly ear. This year in conjunction with Bendigo Community Bank, over 1000 blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing was distributed all over Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges by Gavin.
Having received a new van this year to help him assist the community, it seems likely that Gavin is an enduring part of the hills community and will be around for years to come. "What I particularly like about Soupees is you see young people who start off very very young, and you see them growing up in front of your eyes," Gavin said."It has its own reward ... I really love what I do, being able to meet people, to show them compassion, and to make friends and help in any way."
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There are a small number of people, groups and organisations in the Dandenong Ranges which have become synonymous with the region. These people and groups have not become well-known for their names, but for displaying the qualities that the hills are known for. Here at the Mail we love our community and we enjoy highlighting the achievements of the many inspiring individuals and organisations in the region that give back so much - the only tough part is trying to whittle down the list of candidates because, let's face it, there are too many to mention in just one edition. In 2018 there was one individual who stood out against the rest and who displays everything the Dandenong ranges is, and should be. For those who don't know Gavin Smith, he's become a well-loved institution of Upwey. For nearly ten years, on every Friday afternoon, rain, hail or shine, Gavin - also known locally as 'Soupee' - can be found in Upwey's Main Street dishing out hot soup, pizzas and other refreshments, while offering a kindly word, and a cheery smile. He has served countless pots of soup, and although he has been assisted over the years by Belgrave Rotary and Upwey Township Group, it's Gavin himself who provides the rock-solid community benefit. "Soupees has always been about the fact that I just want to get out and help people in a practical way," Gavin said. "People don't have to pay for anything, they're welcome to just come along."You can come get soup, pizza, and a listening ear. "Sometimes people don't even eat, they just want to come along and unburden themselves."Gavin's rock-solid community