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Coles rings the bell,
SecondBite's appeal does swell,
In hearts, kindness dwell.
Coles, Matt Preston rings in Christmas appeal for food rescue, SecondBite
Coles, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has launched its 2023 Christmas Appeal in support of SecondBite, a prominent food rescue organisation. The initiative aims to raise funds and awareness for Australians grappling with food insecurity, a pressing issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The appeal was launched with a festive breakfast in Melbourne, hosted by renowned food writer and TV personality, Matt Preston. Preston, who is also an ambassador for SecondBite, expressed his hopes for the appeal. 'We know that many Aussies are doing it tough this Christmas but we hope that those who are in a position to give, can support the SecondBite through the Coles Christmas Appeal. Each $2 donation card purchased will enable SecondBite to provide the equivalent of up to ten meals to someone in need this Christmas,' he said.
Shoppers can support the appeal by purchasing a $2 donation card or making a donation at a Coles supermarket checkout until Christmas Eve. Donations can also be made at Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market, or Vintage Cellars stores until December 5.
The funds raised will enable SecondBite to continue its mission of rescuing unsold edible food and redistributing it to over 1,000 community food relief partners across Australia. In addition to the funds raised, Coles will donate 2,000 Christmas hams to SecondBite, and Cadbury Australia has pledged to donate one million meals.
Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, Matt Swindells, highlighted the importance of the annual appeal. 'Coles’ annual Christmas Appeal raises vital funds for SecondBite so that they can continue to meet the demands of its food relief partners in communities throughout Australia,' he said.
The partnership between Coles and SecondBite dates back to 2011. Since then, Coles has donated the equivalent of more than 220 million meals to SecondBite, with 35 million of those being provided in the last year alone. Together with customers, suppliers, and team members, Coles has raised more than $37 million over 12 years for SecondBite, demonstrating a sustained commitment to addressing food insecurity in Australia.
