Agnico Eagle Australia and Bendigo Foodshare have announced a new partnership that will strengthen food relief efforts across Central Victoria, backed by a $100,000 contribution over two years through Agnico Eagle Australia’s Community Partnership Program.
The partnership builds on Agnico Eagle Australia’s long-standing support of Bendigo Foodshare, including a $300,000 contribution to the construction of the charity’s new home in Golden Square.
Through this new commitment, Agnico Eagle Australia (the owner of Fosterville Gold Mine) becomes a major sponsor of Bendigo Foodshare, helping to support the organisation in providing food relief to thousands of people across the region each week.
The partnership is being recognised on one of Bendigo Foodshare’s food relief vans, affectionately named Goldy in recognition of the partnership with local site Fosterville Gold Mine. Goldy now with a fresh new signage, plays an important role in collecting and delivering rescued food across Central Victoria.
Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said the partnership comes at a time when demand for food relief is up and more people across central Victoria are reaching out for support than ever before.
“Just 12 months ago we were feeding 15,443 people a week, but in the last few months we’ve seen a 30% increase in demand in places — that’s thousands more people who are doing it tough right now.
Ms Murphy stressed the significance of this partnership and thanked Agnico Eagle for investing back into our local community.
“Our work is powered by community, with more than half of our funding coming from community donations, we rely on local businesses like Agnico Eagle to support our work so we can keep up with growing demand.
Agnico Eagle Australia’s Community Partnership Program is now in its fifth year and has supported more than 30 community partners, with more than $13.5 million invested to date.
Agnico Eagle Australia Director of Environment & Sustainability Felicia Binks said “We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with Bendigo Foodshare through this new commitment. Their work is vital to so many people across Central Victoria, and supporting organisations that strengthen community wellbeing is at the heart of our Community Partnership Program.”
“Seeing Goldy out on the road each day is a great reminder of what can be achieved when local organisations come together with a shared purpose. We’re honoured to play a role in helping Bendigo Foodshare meet rising demand and continue delivering such an essential service.”
