Miner stumps up major food relief cash

BENDIGO Foodshare has announced it will receive $100,000 in funding over two years via Agnico Eagle Australia’s Community Partnership Program.

Agnico Eagle, which operates the Fosterville Gold Mine 25km east of Bendigo, has been a longtime supporter of Bendigo Foodshare, including contributing $300,000 towards the construction of the charity’s new headquarters in Golden Square.

Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said the funding comes at a time when demand for food relief has grown dramatically.

“Just 12 months ago we were feeding 15,443 people a week, but in the last few months we’ve seen a 30 per cent increase in demand in places – that’s thousands more people who are doing it tough right now,” she said.

Murphy stressed the significance of the partnership and thanked Agnico Eagle for investing back into the local community.

“Our work is powered by community,” she said.

“With more than half of our funding coming from community donations, we rely on local businesses like Agnico Eagle to support our work so we can keep up with growing demand.”

Agnico Eagle Australia director of environment and sustainability Felicia Binks said the business is proud to deepen its partnership with Bendigo Foodshare through a new commitment like this.

“Their work is vital to so many people across Central Victoria, and supporting organisations that strengthen community wellbeing is at the heart of our Community Partnership Program,” she said.

“We’re honoured to play a role in helping Bendigo Foodshare meet rising demand and continue delivering such an essential service.”

Agnico Eagle’s Community Partnership Program is in its fifth year and has so far supported more than 30 community partners, with over $13.5m invested to date.