Coles Express Redkite Week is returning from 13-19 September to help raise much-needed funds for the leading children’s cancer support charity.
Bella Farrugia, a student from the NSW Central Coast, who has Down syndrome and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five is set to be the face of the national fundraising campaign. Redkite helped her family throughout her experience, and she is now sharing her story to help other kids with cancer.
“Redkite made us feel like we were not on our own. They funded a social worker who was a great support when we were in hospital, paid the car registration so we could get to hospital and home for short breaks in between treatments, and they provided Coles vouchers so that we had food,” said Bella’s father, Ritchie.
“Today, Bella is 19 months in remission and is in Year 2 at school, which she loves. We are very proud of her. But she continues to have blood taken and sees medical teams every few months, so relapse is always on our minds.”
Redkite supported 2,400 families across the country in 2020, and 760 in NSW alone. Redkite’s General Manager Fundraising Tatiana Issacs said that the pandemic had put even more pressure on families and there was more demand than ever for essential support such as fuel and grocery vouchers and counselling for family members.
“Families like Bella’s need our support. Please consider paying a visit to your local Coles Express during Redkite Week, round up your bill to the nearest dollar and play a part in helping these families,” she said.
Coles General Manager Operations Tony Parry said Coles Express was proud to be fundraising for such an important cause.
“Our Coles Express team members are passionate about supporting their communities and helping families with children whose lives have been diagnosed with cancer. Simply rounding up at the till is a small act which will make a huge difference to families in need,” he said.
Coles Express customers and team members have donated more than $2.77m for Redkite Week since 2019.