Pakenham residents have helped fund-raised $18,500 for a charity aimed at keeping children safe from violence.
Local residents, together with Coles team members from 14 Coles stores, combined their efforts over eight weeks to raise funds for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation through activities including a community barbecue, car boot sales, team member bake sales and instore raffles.
The foundation cares for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence and works within a range of communities to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.
Coles regional manager Jarrod Thompson said he was proud to support the Alannah and Madeline Foundation because of its wonderful community work.
“The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is one of Australia’s most respected children’s charities and is dedicated to protecting children from violence and its devastating impact. Given their incredible work, we just had to do what we can to support them,” Mr Thompson said.
“We are so thankful to the community of Pakenham, who have dug deep to keep children safe from violence.
“It’s been quite an experience to see the community come together for such an important cause and we know their efforts will have a real impact for children in need.”
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta said the charity was “so grateful” for the generous local donation.
“We believe that all children should have a safe and happy childhood, without being subjected to any form of violence,” Ms Podesta said
The funds raised will be used across the Foundation’s programs which care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence and work to reduce the incidence of bullying, including cyber bullying.
“We can’t thank Coles and the local community enough for their donation.”
