Thursday, 5 October 2023: Charities that provide vital services to support Australian children in need are set to benefit this October from the Small Change Appeal launched this week at Woolworths supermarkets across the country.
Throughout October, customers shopping at Woolworths supermarkets will have the option to round up their shop at self-checkouts or purchase a $2 Appeal token at serviced checkouts, with all funds donated to Woolworths’ state charity partners. These include:
Variety, the Children’s Charity (NSW, ACT, SA and NT stores): Funds will help Variety bolster their grants programs for children who are living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship. In NSW, this will include the provision of two Sunshine Coaches to offer transport for children to access their community and experience a range of special programs and activities they would otherwise be unable to attend.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation (QLD): All funds raised will help purchase cutting-edge equipment, support vital research and provide on the ground support for sick Queensland kids and their families.
Good Friday Appeal (VIC): For the first time this year, donations will be directed to the Royal Children’s Hospital to help extend their Garden Therapy Program. This will include support for a garden therapist in a full time capacity, who will work with hospital staff to offer outdoor horticultural and sensory experiences for children staying at and visiting the hospital, helping to distract from pain, decrease stress and provide relief.
Telethon(WA): Celebrating a decade of partnership, this year’s funds will support more than 100 Telethon beneficiaries who provide equipment for children in hospital, critical services for children with disabilities and life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged children.
St Giles (TAS): Offering funds for equipment that will be used in early education and intervention activities in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie to support local children as they get ready for school.
Woolworths has had long standing partnerships with these organisations, with some proudly dating back more than thirty years, with millions of dollars raised to support the charity's work.
Woolworths Supermarkets’ Director of Stores, Jeanette Fenske, said: “We are extremely grateful to our customers for their generosity and support they have shown over the years to support Australian children in need. It’s a wonderful moment where we have seen the power of small change in creating a huge impact on local children and their families.
“Many of our charity partners are exploring new programs and grants for the funds to be directed this year, and we’re excited to see the new opportunities and experiences that are supported by donations from our customers and teams.”
ENDS