Coles and its customers have contributed more than $7.1 million to the Country Women’s Association of Australia to help drought-affected farmers.
With Coles matching every donation dollar-for-dollar during August and September, customers and the supermarket chain have helped to raise funds for household and family expenses.
Coles also pledged $5m in grants or interest-free loans from the Coles Nurture Fund for farmers who have a project that will help them combat drought in the future.
Country Women’s Association of Australia board member Lyn Harris thanked Coles and its customers for their generous contribution which will go towards supporting drought-affected families where it is needed most.
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Coles Store commercial and property director Thinus Keeve said the company is overwhelmed by the generosity of local shoppers across the country who have shown their support for Australian farming communities by donating at Coles checkouts.
“We are incredibly grateful for this tremendous contribution from our customers and team members who have gone above and beyond to raise funds for the Country Women’s Association drought appeal,” he said.
“[It] will go back to supporting local farmers, growers and producers who are experiencing hardship as a result of the drought,” said Keeve.
The Woolworths group also raised more than $7m for farmers and Harris Farm Market also donated to the drought-stricken communities.