COLES has launched a campaign in the lead-up to Christmas to raise money for families affected by cancer.
Thanks to its partnership with Redkite, Coles has launched a Christmas campaign to help families pay for rising household bills, medical and travel expenses.
Queensland families have faced a 31 per cent hike in the cost of medical and hospital services and a 28 per cent increase in utility costs over the past five years.
Until December 4, shoppers can purchase $2 donation cards at Coles and Coles Express sites in the Redlands, including Victoria Point and Cleveland, with all funds going to Redkite.
Redkite provides support to children and young people with cancer and their families.
Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said financial support was even more vital for many families this year who also faced higher travel, medical and living costs after a cancer diagnosis.
“This time of year is especially challenging for children with cancer and their families, with many families needing to take time off work to be at their child's bedside,” Ms Keighery said.
“Cancer doesn’t stop for Christmas, and between Christmas and New Year, around 30 families’ lives will be shattered by the news that their child has cancer.”
Redkite has provided financial assistance to more than 335 families affected by cancer across Queensland.
Coles has developed a new range of Redkite Christmas products, including a Belgian choc pop, plush toy, mug, sticker book and Christmas cards, with funds going directly to Redkite.
20 cents from the sale of every Coles Gingerbread, Elf and Reindeer biscuit will also go to Redkite.
Coles state general manager Jerry Farrell said Coles wanted to expand its Christmas appeal to include a new range of festive products, providing more ways for customers to support Redkite this Christmas.
“Cancer touches the hearts of so many of our customers and team members so we want to give our customers the opportunity to show their support for families in need,” he said.