Coles Group raised a “record” $3.2 million in the lead up to Christmas to help feed vulnerable Australians and support families affected by childhood cancer.
This is said to be more than 2.6 times the amount raised in the Group’s 2019 Christmas fundraising campaign.
According to Coles Group, more than half the funds in the Christmas 2020 period were raised from Coles supermarket customers who purchased a $2 donation card at the check-out to support food rescue organisation, SecondBite and national children’s cancer charity, Redkite. The sales of donation cards at Coles supermarkets were claimed to have increased to more than $1.6 million, up from around $778,000 in the previous year.
Coles Liquor also achieved “record” fundraising efforts at its Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor stores. They raised a total of over $720,000 for SecondBite, said to be up almost 25 per cent on Christmas 2019.
Coles Express customers donated more than $425,000 for Redkite, believed to be six times the amount raised in the previous year’s campaign. Customers were able to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or buy select Coles Express products for which Coles donated a portion of the sale proceeds.
In addition to donations by customers and team members, for the first time Coles Group donated $200,000 worth of gift cards to nearly 2000 families affected by childhood cancer.
Coles Group CEO Steven Cain says the Christmas Appeal shows just how important it is to support the community at such a challenging time for so many doing it tough.
“I would like to thank our customers who have generously donated during what was a very tough year with bushfires, floods, drought and Covid-19,” he says.
“I’m always amazed by the spirit of the community and our customers can be assured they are making a genuine difference to those who need it most.
“I am thrilled with the way our team members came together for this Christmas Appeal, whether that be in supermarkets, liquor stores or Coles Express convenience stores. Their commitment to winning together with our community has truly inspired customers to support the important work of SecondBite to feed Australians in need and Redkite’s invaluable help for families dealing with childhood cancer.”