Coles has launched its 2023 Christmas Appeal for SecondBite to raise funds and awareness for the Australians experiencing food insecurity.
Food writer and TV personality Matt Preston hosted food relief staff and volunteers for a festive breakfast in Melbourne on Friday (1 December) to launch the appeal, and to thank them for their dedication to helping feed vulnerable Aussies.
Shoppers can support the Coles SecondBite Christmas Appeal by purchasing a $2 donation card or by making a donation of their choice at a Coles supermarket checkout until Christmas Eve or at a Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market or Vintage Cellars store until 5 December.
In addition to raising funds for SecondBite, Coles will also donate 2000 Christmas hams to SecondBite to help charity partners put on a festive lunch for vulnerable community members around the country.
Mr Preston says every dollar raised will help make a difference.
“We know that many Aussies are doing it tough this Christmas, but we hope that those who are in a position to give, can support the SecondBite through the Coles Christmas Appeal. Each $2 donation card purchased will enable SecondBite to provide the equivalent of up to ten meals to someone in need this Christmas,” he says.
“I’m extremely passionate about SecondBite because their work is more than just about feeding empty stomachs. It’s about reducing food waste and bringing people together through food, and there’s never a better time to bring people together than during the Christmas holidays.”
Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells says the retailer is proud to be raising funds for SecondBite this Christmas.
“Coles’ annual Christmas Appeal raises vital funds for SecondBite so that they can continue to meet the demands of its food relief partners in communities throughout Australia,” he says.
“Funds raised will help SecondBite to put delivery vans on the road, provide refrigeration at its warehouses for meat and vegetables and enable its dedicated team of staff, volunteers and community partners to help vulnerable Aussies this Christmas and beyond.
“Coles is also delighted to donate 2000 Christmas hams to SecondBite to help spread festive cheer to local community partners hosting a Christmas function this year.”
Coles has been recognised as one of Australia’s top corporate givers in the latest Giving Large research by Strive Philanthropy. For the fourth consecutive year, the retailer was placed number one for community contribution as a percentage of profit and number two in total community contribution, with a contribution of $152 million at 9% of pre-tax profit.