Tara Murray
Bundoora charity Big Group Hug will be able to lend a hand to more vulnerable children and their families after receiving a $10,000 Christmas bonus.
Ten Coles stores across the northern suburbs, from Bundoora to Mernda, joined forces with Mondelēz – the parent company of Cadbury – to make the donation.
Coles regional manager Brent Griffith said the stores unanimously voted to donate the money to Big Group Hug.
“We know it’s been a very difficult year for many people in Victoria and our region so with Cadbury’s support we wanted to further the incredible work of Big Group Hug,” he said.
“Big Group Hug is a regular customer of our stores and frequently purchase items such as nappies, formula and apparel. They do amazing things for the local community.“
Big Group Hug executive director Geraldine Camilleri said the funds will make a genuine difference to kids and families in the northern suburbs.
The group supports families with children aged 0-16 experiencing situational hardship or disadvantage.
“Big Group Hug was blown away to be chosen as the recipient of this very generous donation from Coles and Mondelez,” she said.
“The $10,000 will go a significant way to assisting Big Group Hug in its mission of supporting local families in need and will help provide material needs such as nappies and formula to vulnerable children.”
Mondelēz International senior sales manager Angela King said the donation forms part of a $150,000 giving fund from Mondelēz International with Coles.
“The local Coles stores told us they wanted to give back to local charities whose fundraising has been impacted by COVID-19 and we were delighted to help. It’s fantastic to see the Coles stores paying it forward to support charities and causes that matter most to them.”
Fifteen charities across the country will each receive $10,000 from Mondelez and local Coles supermarkets.
