By Afraa Kori
Supporting sick children and their families is a cause that the Pakenham Coles and its team is deeply passionate about.
Coles held a BBQ fundraiser on February 15, raising nearly $600, with all proceeds going to Monash Children’s Hospital to help reduce the impact of hospitalisation on sick children and their families.
The initiative will fund vital projects, therapies, and equipment, ensuring the best care for children in hospitals or receiving care at home.
Coles fundraiser is part of the 2025 fundraising campaign led by the national children’s charity, Hospitals United for Sick Kids.
Coles spokesperson Dylan said the community’s support was overwhelmingly positive and exceeded expectations.
“We were expecting somewhere between $200 to $300, but raising close to $600 is pretty good. Especially with the rain, we weren’t expecting that many generous customers to come in throughout the day.”
“A big thanks to the community for attending the barbecue to support the cause because without them it wouldn’t be possible.
“Many of our generous customers were somehow at some point in the Monash Children’s Hospital, and we heard a couple of stories from some people.”
The 2025 Hospitals United for Sick Kids fundraising campaign runs until 18 February at Coles supermarkets and online.
