Woolworths Supermarket Drought Relief Pledge Email

Summary:
Email claims that Australian retailer, Woolworths, will donate supermarket profits to drought relief on 23rd January 2007 (Full commentary below).

Status:
True

Example:(Submitted, January 2007)

Hi All,

Woolworths is donating its entire supermarket profits on the 23rd January 2007 to the drought relief.

If you need to grocery shop make sure you do it on this day and at Woolworths and help out the drought relief program.

Please forward to friends and family!

To read about the pledge, have a look at their website -

www.woolworths.com.au

Commentary:
This email forward claims that Australian retailing giant, Woolworths, will donate the entire day's supermarket profits to drought relief on the 23rd January 2007. The claim in the message is true. Information on the Woolworths website states in part:

As part of a wider commitment to supporting Australian rural communities, on January 23, 2007, Woolworths will donate its entire supermarkets profits from all Australian Woolworths & Safeway supermarkets, for the day to the Country Women's Association to help farming families with household bills and for research into sustainable farming practices.

Launching the initiative on ABC's Country Hour program today, Woolworths CEO Michael Luscombe said the Woolworths National Drought Action Day is expected to raise in excess of three million dollars. 100% of the donation will be directed to the Country Women's Association.

Mr Luscombe said there is an immediate need to support Australian farming families, "Every Australian is starting to feel the real impact of the drought and unless we act now, the unique rural heritage of Australia will be under threat.

Australia is currently in the grip of one of the worst droughts on record. Given that drought relief funds are desperately needed, the Woolworths pledge is most welcome. The campaign should also help to raise awareness of the plight facing farmers and rural communities.

References:
Woolworths CEO pledges substantial support for drought relief

Last updated: 17th January 2007
First published: 17th January 2007

Write-up by Brett M. Christensen