Petition calling on Coles and Woolworths to support drought appeal nears 90,000 signatures

WOULD you donate a dollar at the checkout? This man has a plan to help Aussie farmers in need, and he wants Coles and Woolworths to help.

‘We’re not asking for the world’

WILL this be the social media campaign that proves there’s a limit to people power?

Coles and Woolworths are standing firm in the face of growing support for a Queensland man’s petition calling on the supermarkets to help him raise money for drought-affected farmers.

Nearly 90,000 people have signed cattle farmer Jack Neilson’s ‘Dollar For Drought’ Change.org petition since it launched just over a month ago.

Mr Neilson, a cattle farmer from Boulia in outback Queensland, wants the supermarkets to help him collect money by asking shoppers at the check-out for gold coin donations to help farmers in need.

“The big supermarkets have done media stories about their support for local produce and Aussie growers — but we really need more help,” he wrote. “Us farmers need cash. To put food on the table, and help us hold off the banks from repossessing our properties.”

By putting a collection box in front of thousands of shoppers each day, he says the supermarkets could help raise millions.

“This is one of the worst droughts that anyone has ever seen,” he told news.com.au “If they come on board and do it, the money is going to go to those who need it the most.”

The drought has forced his family to start destocking its herd of Brahman cattle since February, and he says the bill for hay and supplements has run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past few years.

“I don’t think we have another two months left before we start losing what we have,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can, and hopefully, with any luck, we can get some rain before Christmas.”

Mr Neilson stresses it’s not all about him. He says he he’s in talks with a number of drought charities and local councils to direct the money to those who need it if the appeal gets off the ground.

A video message posted to Facebook last month was shared more than 37,000 times. Supporters of the campaign have flooded Coles and Woolworths’ Facebook pages with selfies holding gold coins. Coles ambassador Curtis Stone has also been urged to support the campaign.

“Please help our farmers. They give us great food to make your ‘cheffing’ brilliant. I love your recipes, please help,” wrote Kerrie Hunter.

“You are a Coles ambassador and have a lot of followers and influence,” wrote Deb Clift. “Please use some of this to pressure Coles for the ‘Dollar For Drought’ appeal to help desperate drought-affected farmers out.”

Mr Neilson says despite the pressure, the supermarkets have not spoken with him. “We haven’t had anything. It’s just a standard line that they throw at us and everyone who pesters them,” he said.

Customers have flooded Coles and Woolworths’ Facebook pages.

The supermarkets have highlighted their existing charity commitments.

He says he just wants a “definitive answer”. “We can’t get an official answer from them, I think that’s what everyone’s waiting for. We really need them to come to the table soon and have a conversation with us, tell us yes or no.”

Mr Neilson reiterated that he’s not asking the supermarkets for money. “We just want them to be an avenue for people to donate. Looking at the support we’re getting, people are willing to help,” he said. “We’re not asking them for the world.”

Both Coles and Woolworths have instead highlighted their existing charitable donations.

“Woolworths supports Australian farmers in difficult times,” the company said in a statement. “Since 2007 we have contributed almost $20 million to help drought-affected farmers and communities through our drought appeals.

“Last year, our drought appeal contributed more than $950,000, which was distributed to drought-affected farmers through our partner, The Salvation Army. The Salvos are our natural disaster recovery partner and you can donate to them at any time in our stores at the registers.

“We have already asked the Salvation Army to dedicate any donations made in our stores by our customers in November to drought assistance.”

A Coles spokesman pointed out that Coles donates fresh food to disadvantaged Australians through the SecondBite program, and is currently matching every dollar donated at its registers to veterans charity Bravery Trust. Starting at the end of this month, it will begin selling donation cards for children’s cancer charity Redkite.

“Every year Coles supports national and local charities with fundraising, food donations and disaster relief,” he said. “Over the past financial year our direct community investment was $36.5 million, and an additional $7.2 million was contributed by customers, team members and suppliers

“Coles will consider any proposals to support additional charities in the new year.”

Mr Neilson says he would consider approaching Aldi and IGA if Coles and Woolworths say no, but Aldi has already opted out.

“Aldi Australia takes its responsibility to the community seriously,” a spokeswoman said.

“We focus on supporting one major charity so that our contribution has the greatest tangible impact. Since 2003, ALDI has been a major supporter of Barnardos Australia and the amazing work it undertakes to help improve the lives of Australian children and their families.”

She added that Aldi also donates food to OzHarvest, Foodbank and SecondBite.

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