Coles is accepting donations to support local charities including SecondBite.
Camera IconColes is accepting donations to support local charities including SecondBite. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Small donation helps fight hunger at Christmas

Staff writerEastern Reporter

IN the past year alone, more than one in five Australians – the equivalent of five million people – have been in a situation where they’re unable to put food on the table for themselves or their family due to devastating circumstances.

Christmas is no exception and this year West Australians can help make a difference to those in need by donating at Coles, with $2 donation cards at the checkouts that support local charities including SecondBite.

As part of its partnership with SecondBite, Coles supermarkets donate surplus fresh food to more than 1300 community food programs and have provided the equivalent of 90 million meals to people in need since 2011.

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Like many Australians who have been through hard times, Ian Brown found himself homeless at Christmas time and was assisted by local charities to get back on his feet and find employment that he really connected with.

While Ian was finding his feet, he learned about SecondBite though St Bartholomew’s House – a homelessness network in Perth, where he was supported with finding employment at SecondBite.

This Christmas will be his second with the charity organisation.

“Christmas can be a challenging, lonely time for those experiencing homelessness,” he said.

“It is important not to underestimate the impact small donations can make to those who have found themselves in a hard place.

“Organisations like Coles are an integral part of SecondBite and are helping Australians in need gain access to three meals a day. SecondBite has also become family to me.”

Coles state general manager Pat Zanetti said the generosity of West Australians will give local homeless and disadvantaged people access to healthy nutritious meals this Christmas.

“The Coles partnership with SecondBite has made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of West Australians and we look forward to continuing that support for local families and individual this holiday season,” he said.