Coles donates 200,000 Easter treats to frontline healthcare workers
11 April 2020
Coles this weekend has donated more than 8000 packs of Easter eggs to nurses and doctors at hospitals across the country as a small gesture of thanks for their tireless efforts in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
The treats were hand-delivered to hospitals just in time for Easter, including the Monash Children’s Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital and Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital.
The Easter eggs are in addition to 200,000 hot cross buns donated to food rescue organisation SecondBite over the Easter break, supporting disadvantaged Australians doing it particularly tough right now.
Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said social distancing measures made the holidays challenging for some who would otherwise be spending time with family, and the strain was even greater on frontline medical personnel and those in need.
“Coles is doing everything we can to support those who need it most through this challenging time, while also ensuring we can provide food for all Australians in our stores,” he said.
“Our doctors and nurses are working to help keep all Australians safe during this crisis, so we hope this donation brings some Easter cheer to the hospital staff and their families.”
Coles in March committed to donate extra food and groceries to the retail value of $1 million per week to SecondBite and Foodbank during the pandemic.
“Our food relief partners SecondBite and Foodbank had barely finished the massive task of feeding Australians in need as a result of the bushfires when they were again called upon as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Cain said.
“We are immensely thankful for their ongoing efforts as we work together to provide essential nutrition to some of the most vulnerable members of our community this Easter.”
Director of the Monash Health Foundation Ron Fairchild said hospital staff were very grateful for the donation.
“Over the past year Coles has been a great supporter of Monash Children’s Hospital through providing a portion of sales from jars of Mum’s Sause to help sick children,” he said.
“This support of our frontline workers, the heroes in the fight against COVID-19 is very special and a further demonstration that Coles is truly a caring company.
L-R Tammy Banks, nurse Rebecca and Prince Charles Hospital Executive Director Michele Gardner
L-R Nurse Emy, Coles Group CEO Steven Cain, nurse Erin at Monash Children's Hospital with Coles eggs
L-R Perth Children's Hospital Nurse, Stitches the Bear and Pat Zanetti
For further information, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or
media.relations@coles.com.au
