Woolworths has launched the Small Change Appeal, supporting charities that provide vital services to Australian children in need.
Throughout October, customers shopping at Woolworths will have the option to round up their shop at self-checkouts or purchase a $2 Appeal token at serviced checkouts.
All funds will be donated to Woolworths’ state charity partners. These include:
- Variety, the Children’s Charity (NSW, ACT, South Australia and the Northern Territory stores): Funds will help Variety bolster their grants programs for children who are living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship. In NSW, this will include the provision of two Sunshine Coaches to offer transport for children to access their community and experience a range of special programs and activities they would otherwise be unable to attend.
- The Children’s Hospital Foundation (Queensland): All funds raised will help purchase “cutting-edge” equipment, support vital research and provide on the ground support for sick Queensland kids and their families.
- Good Friday Appeal (Victoria): For the first time this year, donations will be directed to the Royal Children’s Hospital to help extend their Garden Therapy Program. This will include support for a garden therapist in a full-time capacity, who will work with hospital staff to offer outdoor horticultural and sensory experiences for children staying at and visiting the hospital, helping to distract from pain, decrease stress and provide relief.
- Telethon (Western Australia): Celebrating a decade of partnership, this year’s funds will support more than 100 Telethon beneficiaries who provide equipment for children in hospital, critical services for children with disabilities and “life-changing” opportunities for disadvantaged children.
- St Giles (Tasmania): Offering funds for equipment that will be used in early education and intervention activities in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie to support local children as they get ready for school.
“We’re extremely grateful to our customers for their generosity and support they have shown over the years to support Australian children in need,” says Woolworths Supermarkets Director of Stores Jeanette Fenske. “It’s a wonderful moment where we have seen the power of small change in creating a huge impact on local children and their families.
“Many of our charity partners are exploring new programs and grants for the funds to be directed this year, and we’re excited to see the new opportunities and experiences that are supported by donations from our customers and teams.”