Coles has partnered with women’s not-for-profit organisation Fitted for Work to help empower Australian women experiencing disadvantage to be work ready and achieve financial independence. 
Until Tuesday, 5 March, Coles will donate 10¢ from every women’s item purchased from the health and beauty aisle in-store or online to Fitted for Work. Products include skincare, haircare, cosmetics, period care, continence care, deodorants and hair removal products (excludes suncare and vitamins and to a maximum of $500,000).
Since 2005, Fitted For Work has helped over 43,000 women. It’s hoped that funds raised at Coles this year will enable another 1000 unemployed and underemployed women across Australia to become work ready, gain secure employment, and experience success in their careers through training, workshops, mentorships, personal outfitting and professional clothing parcels from donated items.
Fitted for Work Managing Director Donna de Zwart says funds raised will help empower Aussie women to be work ready.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Coles again to empower women experiencing disadvantage to become job-ready and achieve financial security,” she says.
“The past year has been challenging for many Australians, particularly for women who have been impacted by the rising cost of living, increased interest rates, and residual impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns. Fitted for Work saw a 100% increase in demand for our services in 2023, indicating that women across Australia increasingly require a helping hand on their journey to become work ready.”
Coles General Manager Corporate & Indigenous Affairs Sally Fielke says this year’s fundraiser is the biggest Coles has undertaken for the charity.
“Coles is delighted to support Fitted for Work once again in the lead up to this International Women’s Day,” she says.
“Over the past two years, Coles, together with our customers and suppliers, has raised $300,000 for Fitted for Work and we’re hoping to raise enough funds this year to enable 1000 disadvantaged Aussie women to get into work or become work ready.”
Ms Fielke adds that the retailer has been “working hard” to increase female participation and was recognised by Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality in 2023.
“Last year, we also achieved our target of having more than 40% of our leadership positions filled by women and appointed our first ever female CEO in Leah Weckert in our 110-year history,” she says.