Australia’s largest multi-food franchisor Retail Food Group (RFG) has come to the rescue of Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) after the charity lost its major funding sponsor, Dick Smith, when the electronics retailer went into voluntary administration last week.
RFG has committed to supporting EAA’s biggest annual fundraising event, Purple Day, across its extensive franchise network, which includes brands such as Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Pizza Capers and Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar.
The ASX listed company has also matched Dick Smith’s proposed $50,000 cash donation.
RFG will support the Purple Day campaign through a variety of activities across its franchise network, including donating products for raffle prizes, selling EAA merchandise boxes and running special ’Purple Day’ promotions.
With over 1,700 outlets across the country, RFG will be leveraging its wide reach to drive fundraising initiatives for the charity whose campaign was recently dealt a major blow.
RFG CEO Franchise Andre Nell said the move to support EAA aligns with the company’s continued dedication to community support and commitment to the expansion of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
“We are proud to be in a position to step in and support Epilepsy Action Australia for the tireless work they do to support people living with epilepsy and other seizure disorders,” he said.
“RFG, its Brand Systems and our franchisees have always been a proud supporter of Australian charities, and we look forward to rallying together to make a positive impact for EAA.
“After experiencing rapid growth over the past eighteen months, RFG is committed to expanding the reach of its CSR activities in 2016 under our not-for-profit foundation, With Heart.”
EAA is Australia’s largest provider of specialist epilepsy services in the community for people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, their carers, families and the broader community, with support including seizure management planning, case management, emergency medication training, workshops and residential camps, as well as hospital based clinics.
It is estimated that over 800,000 people in Australia will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some stage in their life. For more information about EAA visit www.epilepsy.org.au.