TV hunk Rodger Corser says his heart breaks to think of anyone, especially kids, going hungry at any time, let alone Christmas.
The father of four said it was particularly distressing at this time of year “when so many of us are indulging and treating ourselves”. Which is why the Gold-Logie nominee is hailing 13cabs’ National Drive For Xmas Cheer fundraiser. The leading Australian taxi company will donate $1 to Foodbank for every 13cabs fare booked around the nation for 24 hours this Thursday.
Every dollar donated equals two meals provided to the less fortunate on Christmas Day.
Corser leads a growing number of celebrities who are backing the 13cabs fundraiser.
“I’ve seen first-hand the hard work and commitment the Foodbank team put into helping so many people, especially over the past few years,” Corser says.
“Please help them continue this invaluable service to our community. They’re amazing!”
MasterChef contestant and celebrity chef Sara Oteria, radio star Bianca Day and Brisbane Broncos NRL star Jordan Riki and his teammates have also backed the initiative.
Sara said: “Access to nourishing food shouldn’t be a privilege, but unfortunately it is. For many disadvantaged Australians, Christmas lunch means something entirely different to you and I.
“I believe everyone has the right to a full belly not just on Christmas day, but every day, and that’s why I’m proudly supporting Foodbank and 13cabs in this initiative.”
Bianca said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but not for everybody. I absolutely love this great idea to raise money for Foodbank! It’s hard to think of children going hungry, especially at Christmas time.”
Star Broncos player Jordan Riki said he and his fellow Broncos teammates would definitely be catching a 13cab on December 9 to help Foodbank as they wanted to give back to the community at Christmas time.
“It’s been a hard year for everyone; what better way to help those less fortunate,” Riki said
The Foodbank Hunger Report 2021 revealed 1.2 million children went hungry during last year, and one in six adults did not have enough to eat.
13cabs Chief Operating Officer Stuart Overell said 2021 had been one of the toughest years many Aussies had faced and the company wanted to give some Christmas joy to those suffering the most.
“Thousands of Australians will not be able to afford a special Christmas lunch this year, and we wanted to do something to help,” Mr Overell said.
“13cabs is a socially responsible company, and one with a huge heart. We hear the most heart-breaking stories each and every day and our drivers, in the course of their work, often lend a shoulder (or an ear) to those who need one.
“The Foodbank Hunger Report 2021 was difficult to comprehend … We found those figures profoundly disturbing, and so 13cabs National Drive For Xmas Cheer Day was born.”
People can help raise money for Foodbank – Australia’s largest and most trusted food relief charity – by taking a cab trip, or booking a delivery, through 13cabs.
Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara said, with government support set to end, people would go hungry over Christmas if Foodbank could not help them.
“We want to help as many families as possible so they can at least have some joy this Christmas,” Mr McNamara said.
“Without the community getting behind the work we do we’d be closed within a month. We are so grateful an iconic Aussie company like 13cabs is doing a campaign whereby thousands of Aussies can help Foodbank.”
Mr McNamara said the money raised would help Foodbank buy and distribute food to those in need. “Every dollar donated is TWO meals created. It’s that simple. So many families have fallen on hard times and we want to do everything we can to help,” he said.
How you can help: Book a 13cabs or organise a delivery through 13cabs delivers this Thursday and 13cabs will donate $1 for every trip taken to Foodbank.
Post your support on social #13xmascheer and make Christmas a day to celebrate for all Australians.
