Coles Express has partnered with charity Redkite to help raise funds to help families experiencing childhood cancer.
The retailer will donate 5c from selected products purchased at its stores nationally until September 23. Funds raised will go towards funding online counselling services – critical during the pandemic, as well as offering financial assistance and discounted fuel and grocery vouchers to affected families.
Coles Express Executive General Manager Michael Courtney said he was proud to support the charity.
“We know a child’s cancer treatment doesn’t stop for COVID-19 so there’s never been a more important time to support Redkite through the sale of these products at our 718 Coles Express sites across Australia,” he said.
Products include Coles Natural Spring Water, Coles Snow Drops, Coles Lamington Fingers, Coles Express Sausage Roll, Beef Pie, Egg & Bacon Pie and Butter Chicken Pie.
Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said families needed support now more than ever as the pandemic added extra challenges to what is already a very difficult time.
“Every day, parents are making the journey to and from hospital for their child’s cancer treatment under the shadow of COVID-19. What was already an unimaginably stressful time has been compounded because of this pandemic,” Ms Keighery said.
“We’re seeing demand for our support services skyrocket, but thanks to the unwavering support of the Coles Express team and wonderful customers we will be able to meet the needs of families across the country who have a child with cancer.”
It’s an experience mum Jill May knows all too well, having gone through the harrowing experience with her son Huon, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 10 weeks old.
“I had a newborn baby who had a tumour the size of a small lemon in his neck and abdomen filled with his enlarged liver. Huey was very unsettled and in pain during those car trips to hospital for his first rounds of chemotherapy, which went for about seven weeks. The car trips needed to be timed with precision,” she said.
“Whenever you pull into a Coles Express, remember you’re helping cancer families like mine get to where they need to go.”