By Grant Shepherd
Corporations all around Australia have been giving very generously to the Victorian bushfire victims. Despite this tough economic time, corporations are digging deep in order to help Victorian communities get back on their feet.
Among the long list of donators, retailers have shown strong support by donating generously and encouraging customers to do the same.
The largest contributor among retailers so far is Woolworths, who have donated $1 million to the Australian Red Cross.
Woolworths CEO Michael Luscombe said, “A number of our own staff are among those who have lost their homes and many more are working tirelessly as part of volunteer rural fire crews. Our hearts go out to them, their families and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”
In addition to this Wesfarmers, owner of Coles and Bunnings, has pledged $500,000 and is donating Friday’s profits from 750 Coles stores around the country.
David Jones are also offering help by giving $500,000 and are giving all Thursday’s profits from their 37 stores across Australia.
Also matching these offers is Myer who, in addition to the $500,000 have started up their own Myer Bushfire Appeal.
As well as the generous contributions by these retailers, all the stores will be used as additional cash collection points for the Red Cross, with retailers encouraging customers to give their support.
Some of the other significant contributors include: the four major banks (CBA, ANZ, Westpac and St George) who have all contributed $1 million, Taborp $2 million, Telstra $1 million and News Corp $1 million.
In excess of $15 million has been donated so far across Australia, and this figure is surely going to keep rising, as more companies and the Australian people pitch in to give their support.