Mango farmers from Giru star in mango-themed calendar for Foodbank

Queensland mango farmers have had a crash course in learning to strut their stuff as they dressed up for a good cause.

Maybe it’s Milan, or maybe it’s a mango farm.

Six mango farmers from the town of Giru, south of Townsville, have traded their usual day fruit picking for a high fashion photo-shoot to raise funds for those going hungry this Christmas.

Proceeds from the Australian Mangoes charity calendar will support Foodbank’s Christmas appeal, during what has been a busy year for the not-for-profit.

It comes as mango-mad Australians are expected to eat up to 200 million of the fruits in this year’s season.

Alfio Pappalardo of family business Marathon Man Go said posing for the stylish and juicy calendar took him out of his comfort zone.

Loretta Bowen from Sandy Cove Mango Plantation. Picture: Australian Mangoes Calendar.

“My wardrobe doesn’t usually go beyond a singlet, stubbies and gumboots, “ Mr Pappalardo said.

“Strutting down the runway between our mango trees was a lot of fun, and at the end of the day it was all for a great cause,” he said.

Foodbank Australia chief executive Brianna Casey said the calendar was a great way to support Australians after a challenging year.

Josie Pappalardo from Marathon Man Go.

“This is a fantastic initiative that not only celebrates our hard working farmers, but also helps those in our own communities who need Foodbank’s help to put a meal on the table,” Ms Casey said.

Visit foodbank.org.au