For many, ‘the most wonderful time of the year is marked with heartfelt gifts and carefree gatherings. It’s a time to come together, enjoy the company of loved ones and celebrate the year over a spread of roast turkey, legs of ham, prawns on the barbie, and, of course, Christmas pudding.
But for others, it’s a time filled with challenges. For those already struggling to put food on the table, Christmas is an added weight on top of already mounting pressure.
After ongoing droughts and the lasting impact of the pandemic, for many, this Christmas is going to harder than others.
Serving up support where it’s needed
In the spirit of giving, Amazon Australia has teamed up with Foodbank (Australia’s largest hunger relief charity) to support Aussie families doing it tough and to help deliver smiles to disadvantaged kids across the country.
Since first partnering with the charity in 2020, Amazon Australia has helped the organisation deliver much needed supplies to those battling the endless stream of lockdowns, natural disasters, and job losses over the last few years.
“The year has been difficult for so many families as natural disasters and the pandemic mean those already struggling have been hit harder, while others find themselves asking for assistance for the first time,” says Foodbank Australia National Partnerships Manager, Kate Snailham.
“We’ve been collecting regular donations of perfectly edible and fit for purpose products from Amazon Australia fulfilment centres to deliver to families across the country."
“Our deliveries will mean that this Christmas, parents or carers struggling to make ends meet have one less thing to worry about.”
The gift of giving
With Christmas lunch under control, Amazon Australia then took inspiration from the big man in red to ensure no child is left without a gift under the tree this year.
Building on the previous successes of the Delivering Smiles campaigns with Drought Angels and Vinnies, Amazon is working with one of their passionate sellers — small Aussie toy manufacturer, Little Roos — to provide 10,000 presents for Foodbank to distribute to kids in need ahead of Christmas Day.
Known for their range of play-based learning products, Little Roos has donated everything from colouring books and board games, to building blocks and more. The Aussie kids receiving these educational toys will be among the first in the country to get their hands on some of the company’s newest releases too.
“As we come into a time of giving, we can’t think of a better way to embrace the spirit of the holidays than by giving Aussie kids the gift of happiness and education,” says Little Roos founder, Rupert Chesman.
“By donating these products, we’re doing our bit to have a much bigger impact on the Australian families that need our support this year.”
Community kindness
With the support of Amazon Australia, charities like Foodbank have been able to extend their reach and impact. Coming off the back of a challenging few years that have seen the number of communities requiring help surge, these partnerships are helping Australian charities to keep up with growing demand.
“In 2021 alone, Amazon Australia has helped us donate around $300,000 worth of product, supporting more than 30,000 people, and providing almost half a million meals to struggling Aussie families,” explains Kate.
“After seeing how much of an impact these donations have had throughout the year, we’re determined to go above and beyond over the holiday period to ensure these people have something to look forward to.”
Doing good work year round
While the focus is on the festive season right now, these efforts are all part of Amazon Australia’s bigger picture mission to partner with charities like Foodbank and to make a real difference in the lives of everyday Australians doing it tough.
“We have so many plans and ideas to support families across Australia and we’re committed to building partnerships that allow us to use our scale, logistic ability and resources to get more assistance to the people that need it,” enthuses Amazon Australia’s Community Engagement Manager, Charlotte Richardson.
