Tesco smashes bushfire relief fund target

Tesco has surpassed its target of raising money for those affected by the Australian bushfires by a whopping 40%. The supermarket teamed up with Australian producers De Bortoli and Brown Brothers to raise the total relief sum of A$140,000.

The cash raised by the supermarket, which will contribute towards the restoration and reconstruction after the devastating fires, was made by donating 25p from every bottle of wine sold from the Australian state of Victoria over the course of three months.

This sum was then matched by the two Australian producers.

The contribution has been presented to a community playground in the Yarra Glen, this will form part of the broader Community Recovery effort taking place in Australia to help those affected. Local councillor Jeanette McRae said: “This generous donation will provide an enormous boost to the local community, and on behalf of Yarra Ranges Council. I would like to thank Brown Brothers, De Bortoli and Tesco for this wonderful gift.”

Dan Jago, category director for BWS at Tesco said that he was “delighted” with the amount Tesco raised, adding: “We have substantially exceeded our estimates. We are delighted to be able to make this contribution to assist the communities in Victoria following the terrible destruction of the fires.”

Leanne DeBortoli  added that the contribution would provide a positive outcome to an otherwise tragic situation. She said: “Local parents and children have had a tough time this year, and the playground project will provide a wonderful way for the local community to band together to create a place for all to gather and enjoy.”

Jane Parkinson, 28.09.2009