Australia's Foodbank, Optus partner for families in need this festive season

Foodbank has announced an ongoing partnership with Optus that will help provide much needed support for the thousands of Aussie families who are doing it tough this Christmas.

According to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2017, 3.6 million Australians experienced food insecurity at least once in the last year – and it’s not who you’d think. Nearly half of food insecure Australians are employed and 81% of the people Foodbank provides hunger relief to are from low-income families.

Ben White, Managing Director, Marketing & Product at Optus, said in partnership with Foodbank, Optus is aiming to deliver 30,000 meals to vulnerable families this festive season.

“We are proud to have partnered with Foodbank this year, by giving our customers the opportunity to help deliver much needed meals to Aussie families over the Christmas period,” said Mr White.

“Customers can show their support at one of our Yes Optus Stores by rounding up their final bill, or purchasing a Foodbank gift card, with 100% of all donations and purchases going to Foodbank Australia.”

“The donation cards are the perfect, heart-warming gift for loved ones this Christmas. Just a small donation of $10, $15, or $20 can provide food and groceries for a family doing it tough this festive season,” said Brianna Casey, CEO of Foodbank.

On Thursday 7th December, Ben White and Brianna Casey launched the partnership by joining forces with over 100 Optus staff to pack more than 500 hampers for families in need this Christmas. Staff from all areas of the business were joined by senior leaders as they sorted and packed food from their campus-wide food drive.

“We’re very excited to be kicking-off our partnership with Optus through this generous initiative driven by the Optus team,” Ms. Casey said.

As part of Optus’ staff giving program – yes4Good, this year the telco has launched their ‘Hampers of Hope’ Christmas Appeal to help deliver 30,000 meals to vulnerable families this festive season via Foodbank.

“The Optus yes4Good program gives our employees the opportunity to seek and partake in volunteer opportunities and fundraise for a cause close to their hearts,” said Mr White.

“It’s great to support Foodbank and to have so many members of the Optus team here to lend a helping hand for those in the community who may be struggling as we approach Christmas, is something that we are extremely proud of.”

How customers can support Foodbank

Visit any store and make a donation or round up your bill. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Buy a Christmas gift card for $10, $15 or $20 with 100% funds going to Foodbank Australia.

Make a donation at www.foodbank.org.au/optus