IGA has donated $180,000 to Special Olympics Australia to celebrate their 26-year partnership.
Celebrations took place at the 13th annual Special Olympics Australia Signature Dinner at Luna Park in Sydney last Friday.
Metcash General Manager of Private Label & Merch Mehul Patel presented the cheque to Special Olympics CEO Corene Strauss.
Ms Strauss thanked all IGA Metcash stores and supporters of the IGA Community Chest. She said it had enabled Special Olympics Athletes to engage with local store owners and IGA customers. It thus helped break down barriers of adversity, injustice and inequity, she added.
“Thanks to the support of IGA Metcash stores, we’re one step closer on our mission to create an Australia where all people are recognised for their diverse abilities and backgrounds,” Ms Strauss said.
“There are 668,000 Australians with an intellectual disability. With partnerships like this one with IGA Metcash, Special Olympics Australia can help ensure that our communities care and value people with an intellectual disability. We’re very grateful for IGA’s deep commitment to helping us achieve our mission.”
Collaborative effort
Mr Patel acknowledged the collaborative effort to support Special Olympics Australia.
“That’s 1400 stores and their local communities around Australia that are raising funds for this wonderful charity and many more,” he said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be representing these incredibly generous retailers and their families that care so much about giving back.
“IGA has been involved with the Special Olympics for 25 years now. To date, our retailers have raised more than $1.8 million dollars. Tonight, we’re excited to add another $180,000. We couldn’t be prouder of this partnership and all the athletes this organisation supports.”
Formerly known as Special Olympics Australia’s Variety Dinner, the Signature Dinner is a key fundraising event for Special Olympics Australia.
IGA says it strives to support local communities around Australia with programs such as the IGA Community Chest. The program raises funds for charities, teams and organisations through in-store purchases, including products from IGA’s new Community Co range.