Geelong shoppers have raised $27,326 for the Barwon Health Foundation to redevelop the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.
The funds will allow the foundation to increase the number of treatment chairs at the facility and ensure its pharmacy is more accessible to patients.
Shoppers and supermarket staff raised the money through a series of trivia nights, golf days and tin rattling at 14 supermarkets in Geelong and south-west Victoria.
Barwon Health Foundation’s Hayley Johnston said the foundation was grateful for the latest fundraising efforts.
“It’s fantastic to have such dedicated support from Coles, especially here in the Geelong region.
“We are very grateful to the Coles team members and local supporters who have donated to the cause, there is no doubt these funds will dramatically impact the services we are able to provide to the Geelong community.”
Coles Regional Manager Jamie Ellery presented Barwon Health Foundation with a cheque on Thursday.
“The Barwon Health Foundation is an integral part of our community here in Geelong so we are excited to have been able to contribute to their fundraising efforts,” he said.
“It has been fantastic to see Coles team members rally behind this cause with such passion and to see the rest of the Geelong community donating so generously.
Stores involved in the fundraising included Belmont, Corio, Leopold, Lara, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Waurn Ponds, Geelong West, Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool.
The Barwon Health Foundation’s Giving Weekend will take place from 16-17 June across Geelong.
Ms Johnston encouraged local residents to dig deep and visit barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/.
Since 2009, Coles has raised more than $160,000 for the foundation. The money has supported Cotton On Foundation Children’s Ward and a special care nursery.
