An increasing number of families from throughout rural and regional Tasmania are just some
of those likely to benefit from the donation of hundreds and thousands of dollars,
compliments of the state’s network of Tasmanian IGA retail stores.

The Salvation Army today received $10,000 worth of food cards for distribution over the
Christmas period as part of the annual giving ceremony that saw $200,000 donated to local
charities for 2014.

CEO of Tasmanian Independent Retailers and IGA stores representative, Grant Hinchcliffe
said this year’s donations brought giving over the last five years to over $1 m.

“Despite a continuing tight economy as well as increased competition from the larger
chains, this year $200,000 has been donated to organisations such as Legacy, The Make-AWish
Foundation, St Vincent de Paul Society, City Mission, Anglicare, the Benevolent
Society and Give Me 5 for Kids,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

Captain Craig Wood of the Salvation Army said the food cards would be distributed
throughout rural and regional Tasmania.

“The cards are distributed often to help people through a rough patch,” Captain Wood said.

“It might be to get some food on the table for Christmas or helping people back on their feet
after the holiday season, getting the kids back to school or just extra support to fill the pantry.

“In recent years we’ve seen a big chunk of people come to us for help, particularly former
forest workers or just people on the minimum wage struggling to make ends meet.”

Captain Wood said it was a big decision to make to put their hand out and it was touching to
see the raw emotion of people when they decide to ask for help.

“It is a big step and the emotion for people asking for help can be deeply moving. We might
only see them once or twice, but it clearly means a lot to them,” he said.

Mr Hinchcliffe said he was proud to once again support these vital Tasmanian community
organisations.

“Legacy, an organisation providing personal support and welfare for the dependents of
Australia’s deceased veterans, has received $5,000 to assist operations across Tasmania,”
Mr Hinchcliffe said.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation received $20,000 to assist in granting the wishes of children
diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.

“A total of $50,000 was donated and shared between the St Vincent de Paul Society, City
Mission, Anglicare, Salvation Army and the Benevolent Society to assist in the vital work
they do for those in need of food, warmth, shelter and comfort across Tasmania.

“Give Me 5 for Kids, an organisation that provides local children’s hospital wards with much
needed equipment, also received $25,000 earlier in 2014 to assist its work in Tasmania.”

Mr Hinchcliffe once again took part in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s CEO Sleepout, which
aims to build awareness of homelessness as well as raising much needed funds to assist
those individuals living on the street, where he raised more than $21,000.

“In addition to these significant donations, individual IGA stores across Tasmania assist in
fundraising activities for local organisations, such as schools, community organisations and
sporting clubs,” he said.

“These donations are just one of the ways IGA assists the Tasmanian community and all of
the 83 IGA outlets throughout Tasmania are extremely proud to show their support in what is
believed to be one of the largest public giving campaigns in Tasmania.”
Becher Townshend, Font Public Relations