HATS TO GEORGE.             By Jennifer Beadnell

George Wellington Sproles was born 18th September 1922. At the age of 5 he was put in an orphanage, rejected by his family because he was mentally challenged. After years of abuse and in and out of institutions he fell through societies cracks and ended up living on the streets of Brisbane. He was an angry alcoholic, a chain smoker, dirty and smelly. I adopted George in 1997 when I was working in a soup kitchen he used to frequent.

During this time I started my business. George and I would take to the markets on a Sunday; I sold Health bars and he busked.

Caring for George certainly had its challenges but to see him gradully change and blossom into a loving, witty and unique character was worth more than gold.

George spent 12 happy years with us before he passed away peacefully in November 2008. It is my desire for his story and memory to live on: to inspire others and give hope.

Veitablu is taking its product range back to the markets with a different slant. We are donating 20% of our takings to organisations that support the homeless and or people with disabilities. Whilst still in its early stages it is our goal to expand our markets and to give disadvantaged people an opportunity to become involved in running them.

We are currently doing markets in Ipswich, Boonah and Stanthorp. You'll notice us by our "blue hats"

Life is not always kind, and there are many people suffering as a result. Experience has shown me that when people are valued and given a purpose, it can make a difference. Our company is dedicated to being a part of that difference.