Goldminer chips in for food security costs

BENDIGO Foodshare has received a large donation from Fosterville Gold Mine to help offset the impacts on inflation on the charity’s operations.

Rising fuel and energy costs as well as the ongoing effects of last spring’s floods have impacted on Bendigo Foodshare’s operations, and now the miner has gifted the organisation $20,000.

CEO of Bendigo Foodshare, Michelle Murphy, said that the cost of keeping a three-van fleet on the road had doubled in the last year, with the vehicles vital to day-to-day operations.

“Besides doing 96 supermarket rescues six days a week, the vans also deliver food relief to over 70 partner organisations across central Victoria,” she said.

“So, it isn’t hard to understand why we are so impacted by fuel price increases.”

Fosterville Gold Mine often supports the charity and was quick to come to Foodshare’s aid after hearing of the recent struggles.

Fosterville general manager Lance Faulkner said the gold miner was more than happy to help out a good cause.

“We believe Bendigo Foodshare provides an essential service to the community,” he said.

“When they shared their recent challenges with us, we were happy to provide additional operational funding to help keep the vans on the road.”

The recent gift from the mine comes on the back of a $300,000 donation through parent company Agnico Eagle Australia which is going towards building Bendigo Foodshare’s new home in Long Gully.