Sweet treats: Mars says thanks to frontline COVID-19 workers

MORE gratitude is on its way to healthcare workers at the coalface of the COVID-19 pandemic after Mars Wrigley purchased ten-thousand dollars’ worth of Thank You Boxes last week.

The packages are the brainchild of Eat Drink West and Mars Wrigley’s value stream manager Fernando Del Castillo, and are made up of products from across the region.

“Local producers and healthcare workers have been significantly impacted as a result of COVID-19,” said Mr Del Castillo. “However, we found there wasn’t a focused initiative that easily allowed the community to support both these groups.

“The Thank You Box is a simple way for the community to give back in a meaningful way that brings smiles to our healthcare workers and supports our local producers.”

Going into the boxes are products like 1816 Bakehouse artisan sourdough and shortbread, Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat’s wild bush honey, Grounded Pleasures original drinking chocolate, coffee form Karon Farm, Springhill Farm’s chocolate and coconut sweet balls and Vegas & Rose maple pecan granola.

Also inside the packages are $2000 worth of Maltesers, M&M’s and Pods, given in addition to the original purchase.

The boxes will be distributed to Ballarat Health Service workers and Mars Wrigley general manager Andrew Leakey praised their effort.

“With many working around the clock to keep the community safe and healthy during this time, supporting the Thank You Box initiative is a small gesture of gratitude to support our local producers and say thank you to our healthcare workers,” he said.

“The impact of COVID-19 has and will continue to present significant challenges for our community. However, it is in times of adversity we have an opportunity to come together and support those most vulnerable.”

The Thank You Boxes are also available for purchase from the Eat Drink West website.