To help flood-hit communities in Queensland and NSW, Coles supermarkets has pledged $1 million to the Australian Red Cross and NSW Floods Appeal. Aldi, Australia Post and Volley are among other retailers to confirm support.
Coles’ customers will also be able to help by making a donation at any Coles supermarket and Coles Express stores across the country.
Coles group chief operations officer, Matt Swindells said: “These devastating floods have impacted so many of our own team, customers and suppliers so we want to help those doing it tough by opening our check-outs across Australia to take donations and show our support by matching those donations dollar for dollar to the value of $1 million.”
He assured that once roads reopen and the clean-up begins, the team will work to replenish shelves as quickly as possible and get essential food items into flood-affected regions.
Australian Red Cross acting director of Australian programs, Garry Page, said Coles’ initiative will provide teams with critical support on the ground.
“These floods will have a long-term impact on communities and Australian Red Cross will be there to support them along the way,” he said.
The funds raised for the Australian Red Cross Qld and NSW Floods Appeal will go toward enabling volunteers and staff to help with evacuations, relief centres and outreach services. They will also assist in supporting people and communities to recover and to build resilience to disasters.
Aldi, meanwhile, has committed to donating $250,000 worth of food and essential goods to its national food charity partner, Foodbank. Aldi Australia’s director, corporate responsibility, Daniel Baker, said it is ‘imperative’ to support communities affected by the recent events.
Brisbane-based rock band Dune Rats has collaborated with clothing retailer Volley to release a new collection that will be available across General Pants and City Beach stores nationally. They will donate $5 for every shoe sold from the collaboration to the Red Cross Flood Appeal.
And Australia Post is providing support for Red Cross Australia.
“This is an extremely emotional time and our thoughts are with the many people and communities impacted by the devastation of these floods,” said Australia Post head of community, Nicky Tracey.
