Ritchies IGA have celebrated the major milestone of raising $50 million for local community groups and charities through their Community Benefits Program.
The supermarket retail chain marked the occasion last Friday, presenting the Dromana Country Fire Authority (CFA) branch a cheque for $5,000 – which included the 50 millionth dollar.
The loyalty scheme was launched in 1993, offering shoppers the opportunity to nominate a local school, club of charity to donate a percentage of their grocery bill to.
Other charities to have benefited throughout the program include The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul , Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Council, among others.
The monetary milestone has also fallen in the retailer’s 150th year in business and Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison said it reflected their commitment to giving back to the community.
“We are honoured that the Ritchies Community Benefits Program has changed the lives of many Australians and enriched countless organisations that help our local communities. We’re so proud of what we have achieved to date. Fifty million is just the start,” he said.
“We are so proud to donate $5,000, the $50 Millionth donation to the Dromana CFA today, especially in light of the recent fires that have ravaged through the country. An amazing local organisation who have played a critical role in keeping the community safe.”
For the Dromana CFA, it takes their total from the program to $334,000, which has been used to buy five new vehicles, essential equipment and station facilities.