National charity finds new sponsor after Dick Smith demise

After Dick Smith entered receivership last month, national charity Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) was left with a $200,000 funding gap. Now, Retail Food Group (RFG) has committed to supporting EAA’s biggest annual fundraising event, Purple Day, across its extensive franchise network, which includes brands such as Donut King and Gloria Jean’s Coffees. The company has also matched Dick Smith’s proposed $50,000 cash donation.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Retail Food Group for coming to the rescue of our Purple Day activities and we can’t wait to work with them,” EAA CEO, Carol Ireland (pictured above) said.

“Everyone has really come together to support us in a time of crisis. The support we have received from corporate Australia, the media and the general public has been amazing and, most importantly, means we will be able to continue providing much needed services and support to people living with epilepsy in Australia,” Ireland added.

“Nissan Motor Co. Australia has been fantastic by generously donating four brand new cars. We would also like to acknowledge Pandora and Milton Astor Foilworks for their significant contributions, as well as Graham and Diane Cowley,” continued Carol. (Graham is a former Chairman of the Epilepsy Action Board. He and Diane continue to give tremendous support to EAA’s work).

“We have also received generous offers of prize vouchers from The Good Guys, Digital Camera Warehouse and Flight Centre to assist with fundraising activities, along with contributions from some unsung heroes who prefer not to be named,” she said.