APCO backs everyday heroes with July campaign

Everyday acts of kindness will be recognised at APCO service stations across Victoria this month as the company aims to raise $250,000 for people experiencing financial hardship.

The fourth annual APCO Foundation Kindness Day will be held on Tuesday 21 July, with this year’s theme, Everyday Heroes, encouraging customers to nominate people in their communities who have made a difference.

Throughout July, customers can purchase Kindness Hearts in APCO stores and write the name of someone they believe deserves recognition. The hearts will be displayed on each store’s Wall of Everyday Heroes.

The fundraising campaign supports the APCO Foundation, which provides financial assistance to people facing hardship, including family violence, illness, unexpected tragedy and natural disasters.

Foundation chairperson Sharon Gleeson said the organisation focused on providing practical help as quickly as possible.

“While others take weeks or months to process applications, we act within days,” she said.

“We’re the foundation for people who fall through the cracks. The elderly pensioner who can’t afford rent, the young mum fleeing family violence, families facing unexpected illness. Kindness Day is our way of celebrating every person who makes that work possible.”

APCO Service Stations director Rob Anderson said the initiative reflected the company’s community focus.

“Our stores sit at the heart of their communities, and Kindness Day is the day that really shows,” he said.

“Every heart on those walls is someone local being thanked for their kindness, and every dollar raised goes back to the communities that gave it.”

This year’s ambassadors are Amy McDonald and her son Freddie, who received support from the APCO Foundation after Freddie was born with medical complications.

Customers can support the campaign by purchasing Kindness Hearts, buying selected APCO Foundation products or purchasing coffee, with 20 cents from every cup sold during July donated to the foundation.

Donations made in-store throughout the month will be matched by the foundation’s corporate partners.

Since it was established in 2013, the APCO Foundation has contributed more than $3 million to community projects and individuals in need across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.