Coles team members and customers have raised $222,250 for veterans’ support agency, Bravery Trust, to help Australian service people struggling with injuries and illness.
From April 21 to April 25, shoppers at more than 800 supermarkets across the nation supported Bravery Trust through the purchase of Coles bakery cookies and biscuits, with 50 cents from every pack sold going directly to the not-for-profit organisation. Customers also made donations at Coles supermarket checkouts.
The fundraising campaign came as new data from Bravery Trust showed Covid-19 has created “significant challenges” for veterans and their families. The organisation says it has received 10,000 calls for assistance since the start of the pandemic, with a 20 per cent surge in requests for assistance since pandemic financial support ended in recent months.
Funds raised will help support around 150 veterans and 600 family members who have been impacted physically or mentally by service. The funding will also assist an additional 50 families with financial counselling to help with longer-term financial wellness.
Bravery Trust CEO Belinda Wilson welcomes the ongoing support from Coles and its customers.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Coles and their customers in the lead up to Anzac Day, helping to support vulnerable veterans and their families in financial crises,” she says.
“This support will help so many families with their financial wellness.
“The bravest journeys can’t be taken alone, and we thank everyone for supporting our partnership with Coles this year.”
Coles General Manager Corporate Affairs Sally Fielke thanks customers and team members for their support.
“We’re so proud of the generosity shown by our team members and customers across the country to support such an important cause,” she says.
“Shoppers can feel proud knowing their donations will help to provide immediate financial relief to cover costs for day-to-day expenses such as rent, food, fuel, electricity, gas and water for our service people and their families doing it tough.”