Coles Express is giving its customers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families facing childhood cancer, with a week-long Coles Express and Redkite ‘round up’ fundraiser.
Beginning on Monday 21 June and running for a week, customers can choose to round up any purchase to the nearest dollar to help children’s cancer support charity Redkite provide vital financial and mental health support for families, who are often travelling far from home to receive treatment.
Redkite saw a 33 per cent spike in the number of support sessions provided last year, after the COVID-19 pandemic amplified family stress levels due to extra health risks to their children and additional financial pressures.
Redkite was a lifesaver for Coles Express site manager Kylie Mather who is based in Bulahdelah, NSW. When her daughter Sophie was diagnosed with cancer of the brain and spine aged seven, Mather spent hours on the road travelling to and from hospital.
“When Sophie was diagnosed, Redkite helped keep our car on the road. We had so many appointments in different hospitals, and we needed a reliable car. I didn’t want to be breaking down on the side of the road with my sick child, trying to get to hospital,” she said.
“And then, just because you’re in hospital, doesn’t mean everything stops. The world still revolves, and you’ve still got car registration and bills, as well as expenses on top like parking and meals. You just don’t think of it until you’re in that position.
“It’s so important to spread awareness about what Redkite does to help families. You just don’t realise how many families are struggling through their child’s cancer and doing it rough. Every little bit helps. Every dollar helps. Even every 50 cents. Every round up is helping another family cope.”
Redkite’s General Manager Fundraising Tatiana Issacs said that in 2020, Redkite supported 2,400 families across Australia, providing essential support such as fuel and grocery vouchers and counselling for family members.
“Childhood cancer can be completely overwhelming, and it’s clear that more than ever families needed our support. We strongly encourage people to pay a visit to their local Coles Express during Redkite Week, round up their bill to the nearest dollar and play a part in helping these families,” she said.
Coles Express State Manager NSW & QLD Evan Politis said Coles Express was proud to be fundraising for such an important cause.
“Many of our Coles Express team members have children of their own and are passionate about supporting their community as well as a charity that does so much for families whose lives have been devastated by cancer,” he said.
“We have learned first-hand from our colleague Kylie just how devastating child cancer can be for families. She is an inspiration to our Coles Express teams, and we are excited to be part of this important fundraiser for Redkite.”
Coles Express customers and team members have donated more than $2 million for Redkite Week since 2019, with this year’s fundraiser running from 21-27 June.