As COVID-19 fatigue peaked for Eraring power station plant operator Jim Mackenzie his response was to ban any mention of the virus.
It applied to family, friends and colleagues.
"The penalty if COVID was mentioned on our COVID-free day was $5 in the equivalent of a swear jar," Mr Mackenzie said.
The result, through slip-ups, stitch-ups and matching donations from the Origin Energy Foundation was $1000 to Soul Cafe in Newcastle.
Mr Mackenzie is calling on others to follow suit.
"Organise a COVID-free day and support a charity - it's great for a laugh and even better for your mind," he said.
Despite the dramatic changes about by COVID, Soul provided 50,884 meals to the homeless and vulnerable in the Hunter in the 12 months to the end of March.
It also provides mental health and a myriad of other services, such as vaccinations, to those that would otherwise fall through the cracks of the social welfare network.
Over the past seven years, Origin and its employees have donated nearly $58,000 to the Soul Café through the Origin Energy Foundation's matched giving program.
Soul Café general manager Matt Ortiger said the program had provided an enormous boost to the cafe's operations.
"Without generous support like that Soul Café could not support vulnerable people," he said.
