Coles has announced that over the last decade it has raised $50 million for children’s cancer support organisation, Redkite.
The fundraising milestone coincides with Coles’ tenth anniversary of its partnership with Redkite.
With the support of customers and team members, the $50 million in funding is said to have enabled Redkite to support nearly 60% more Australian families during their child’s health crisis over the past 10 years. Specifically, funds raised at Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores has helped Redkite to provide:
- Support to more than 8000 families in their time of need
- Over 40,000 food vouchers to around 7000 families when finances are stretched
- Nearly 23,000 fuel vouchers to help more than 5000 families travel to hospitals for treatment
- Over 157,000 hours of emotional and mental health counselling sessions
- Around 25,000 hours of music therapy to help manage the fear and pain of treatment
- 375 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarships to assist young people who have or have had cancer achieve their goals and ambitions
Coles Group CEO Steven Cain says the milestone underpins the retailer’s ambition to help all Australians lead healthier, happier lives.
“For 10 years, our partnership with Redkite has helped fund important financial, educational and mental health support for thousands of families facing childhood cancer,” he says.
“Sadly, every day in Australia three families will receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. Supporting causes that directly impact the lives of children and families, and organisations like Redkite, create a stronger, more sustainable future for all of us.
“We’re incredibly proud to reach this milestone and thank our customers and team members for their support with in-store donations and fundraising over the past decade.”
Redkite CEO Monique Keighery thanks Coles and its customers, and says the partnership has enabled Redkite to grow its services to support thousands more families in need.
“In the last 10 years, it’s estimated that over 10,000 children and young people have been diagnosed with cancer in Australia, during which time Redkite’s support for families increased by 58%,” she says.
“Redkite has been able to do this thanks to the incredible contribution of Coles, their passionate team members and generous customers. Together, they have raised a staggering $50 million for children with cancer and their families, making ours one of Australia’s most successful corporate and community partnerships.
“The care, authenticity and generosity of the entire Coles team is so special and unlike anything I have ever seen.”