01st December, 2021
An early hours ride home from a party, or heading out for late-night gift shopping, can help put Christmas lunch on the table for those who cannot afford it.
Australia’s largest taxi company 13cabs will donate $1 to Foodbank for every 13cabs fare booked around the nation for 24 hours on Thursday, December 9.
Every dollar donated equals two meals, which means people can be helping feed the less fortunate just by going about their daily business, or enjoying their celebrations – adding true meaning to the Season of Giving.
National Drive For Xmas Cheer Day is a 13cabs initiative which will help food relief charity Foodbank ensure all Aussies can enjoy a hearty Christmas lunch.
And with the Foodbank Hunger Report 2021 revealing 1.2 million children went hungry during last year, and one in six adults did not have enough to eat, the nation’s celebrities, sports stars and business leaders are getting behind the 13cabs drive.
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.”
Celebrities and business leaders who have thrown their support behind the fundraising day include Gold Logie nominee Rodger Corser, Masterchef contestant and celebrity chef Sara Oteria and radio star Bianca Dye.
Rodger, a father of four, said: “It breaks my heart to think of anyone – especially kids – going hungry at Christmas when so many of us are indulging and treating ourselves at this time of the year.
“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. Please help them continue this invaluable service to our community. They’re amazing!”
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,” he said
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.
“Because we can buy in bulk at a discount, we find we can feed more people if we get funds rather than actual food.”
How you can help: Book a 13cabs or organise a delivery through 13cabs delivers on Thursday, December 9, 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.
* Find the Foodbank Hunger Report 2021 here: reports.foodbank.org.au
