Thanks a Million: Festivities on hold to bring relief to bushfire-ravaged communities

When bushfires broke out across South Australia just days out from Christmas, Ron Iasiello put the festivities on hold to support local communities in need.

Foodbank operations manager Ron Iasiello.

IN more than 20 years working with Foodbank, the largest food relief charity in Australia, Ron Iasiello had helped to feed millions of Australians in need. So, when devastating bushfires ravaged the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island in December 2019, he didn’t hesitate to cancel his Christmas holidays to step in to help.

”It was just three days before Christmas when we got the call,” said Mr Iasiello, who manages Foodbank SA’s warehouse and logistics operations. “People had lost their homes, their loved ones and their animals.”

Foodbank handles 75 per cent of food used for hunger relief across Australia, with warehouses in all capital cities, as well as many regional locations, supporting more than 2400 local charities. It has partnered with Woolworths since 2002, which has donated more than 20 million kilograms of food and groceries from across its stores and warehouses.

Over the festive period, Mr Iasiello co-ordinated the logistics and hands-on roles from Foodbank’s major distribution centre in Edwardstown, liaising with charity groups and recovery centres to source and distribute 50 tonnes of food to the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island communities as the bushfires continued to rage.

“Time was of the essence – we had to make sure to distribute that food as quickly as we could, which wasn’t easy,” he said.

Mr Iasiello’s efforts continued over the following months as he worked tirelessly to support those living in the fire-damaged communities, helped by Foodbank’s charity partners. “It gave people affected by the bushfires a sense of belief, that there were people out there who actually cared,” Mr Iasiello said. “I was proud we could make a difference.”

Mr Iasiello’s efforts have been recognised by a nomination in the Thanks a Million campaign.

“I’m a normal bloke who gets in there and gets things done but it’s nice to get appreciation and a nomination like this,” he said. “I’m quite proud of that.”

The modest 66-year-old is also quick to recognise those who worked alongside him during the terrifying events of the 2019-20 Black Summer.

“It was just beautiful to see the response throughout the whole state,” he said. “It was fantastic and brought everyone together.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks a Million: Festivities on hold to bring relief to bushfire-ravaged communities