Coles supermarkets and Coles Express are celebrating a record-breaking fundraising effort after raising their greatest amount ever, more than $2.8 million nationally for this year’s Daffodil Day campaign.
In Queensland alone, Coles supermarkets and Coles Express customers helped to raise a blooming $487,306 throughout the Cancer Council campaign in August.
Over the past 19 years, Coles has raised more than $19 million for Cancer Council nationally through Daffodil Day, with funds supporting Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 for information and support.
For the first time in 2014, Coles allowed customers to buy merchandise or make donations knowing that their proceeds directly benefitted local cancer support services in their state or territory.
These services included Cancer Council Queensland’s six statewide accommodation lodges, offering a potential 100,000 free bed nights to cancer patients and carers each year.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift thanked Coles and Coles Express staff and customers for their hard work and dedication to the cause.
“The generosity and support of corporate partners like Coles and Coles Express brings us a step closer to our goal of a cancer free future,” Ms Clift said.
“Queensland Coles customers purchased a whopping 16,748 Daffodil Day reusable shopping bags, 33,759 bunches and 4310 pots of fresh daffodils!
“Thank you to each and every Queenslander who supported the cause and grew hope for Queenslanders affected by cancer.”
Nationally, over 123,000 Daffodil Day lapel pins were sold nationally at Coles and Coles Express locations, and making the item one of the top sellers. Coles customers and staff gave generously, outstripping cash donations and raising over $189,000 and $169,000 respectively.
Not to be outdone, Daffodil Day fundraising at Coles Express raised over $190,000 in Queensland with a donation of 2c per litre of fuel sold on Daffodil Day made by Shell Coles Express helping the fundraising effort and proving a hit with customers.
Coles Managing Director, John Durkan, said, “With so many Australians touched by cancer every year, Coles was delighted to once again support Daffodil Day and provide a much-needed boost in Cancer Council’s mission to help Australians with cancer.”
“We’re extremely proud of our team and customers for getting behind this worthy cause which this year will directly benefit their local Cancer Council support services.”
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171