Hot cross buns with charitable twist

The Christmas lights are still up and Easter is months away but that hasn’t stopped a supermarket giant from rolling out hot cross buns on Boxing Day.

From Dec 27 until January 2, Coles will donate 20 cents to Redkite from the sale of every six and nine pack of Coles brand hot cross buns. Picture: Supplied

The Christmas lights are still up and Easter is still months away but that hasn’t stopped Coles from rolling out hot cross buns on Boxing Day.

Last year, more than 2.5 million hot cross buns were sold before the new year had even ticked over. Coles is hoping to repeat those sales figures with 20 cents donated to children’s cancer charity Redkite from the sale of every six and nine pack of Coles brand hot cross buns until January 2.

According to Coles’ sales data, Victorians had the biggest hot cross bun craving per capita last year consuming more than 715,000 buns — followed by Queensland and Western Australia.

Coles General Manager of Bakery, Kate Roff, said hot cross buns had become a staple post-

Traditional fruit buns, as well as chocolate, apple and cinnamon, fruit-free and traditional mini fruit buns are priced from $4.50 each or two packs for $7. Picture: Supplied

“This year, we’re proud to add an extra layer of sweetness through our partnership with Redkite, to support families affected by childhood cancer,” she said.

Redkite provides support to families affected by childhood cancer. Over $50 million has been raised since 2013 thanks to Coles customers, to assist children like twins, Rose and Lily.

At three years of age, Rose was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 2020 and sent for treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital with her mum Cass, leaving her sister Lily behind in northern New South Wales.

Lily and Rose were supported by Redkite. Picture: Supplied.

When Rose had finished treatment and returned home, Cass noticed changes in the twins’ behaviour, including signs of severe separation anxiety, anger and aggression, as well as trouble sleeping, which prompted her to reach out to Redkite for counselling support.

“We are incredibly grateful for Coles’ support once again and the kindness of customers. Together, we are ensuring families like Cass, Rose and Lily don’t have to face the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis alone, making a tangible impact,” said Redkite Chief Executive Officer, Monique Keighery.

Originally published as Hot cross buns with charitable twist