AGL today announced it would donate $20,000 to Foodbank WA under its Metres for Meals campaign with the West Coast Eagles, bringing its total donations to about $90,000.

Normally donated at the end of the season based on the distance covered by Eagles player Andrew Gaff at home games, AGL General Manager Customer Strategy and Marketing Alison Wild said AGL would bring forward the donation so that Foodbank WA can get this support now.

“We are proud to honour our commitment to Western Australian’s largest food relief charity by providing the funds up front,” Ms Wild said.

“This would have been the third year in which we made a donation, based on the distance covered by Andrew Gaff at home games.

“The COVID-19 virus has delayed the AFL season but also affected Foodbank, which is experiencing a food donation shortage.

“This influenced our decision to bring the payment forward but we are also looking forward to seeing Gaffy get back on the field.”

Ms Wild said that over the last two years AGL had donated $69,611 to Foodbank WA which allowed it to purchase 139,222 meals to continue its fight against hunger in the WA community.

“This includes funds raised by our staff and AGL matching donations at Eagles home games by fans and members who brought coins to the games,” she said.

“Just as we have been supporting our residential and small business customers during the coronavirus crisis and bushfires emergency prior to that, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate across the country.

“Since we entered the WA gas market in 2017 we have formed a number of partnerships including with the Eagles as their official shorts sponsor and with Surf Lifesaving WA as a donor of funding and equipment.”

Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said: “It’s such a challenging and uncertain time for everyone at the moment, so we are incredibly grateful to have partners like AGL and the West Coast Eagles who have Foodbank top of mind no matter what and continue to do all they can to help those who are experiencing hunger in the WA community. It’s nothing short of amazing.”

West Coast Eagles General Manager – Community & Game Development Richard O’Connell said: ”This is a terrific initiative by our premier partner AGL at a time when so many people in the community are struggling.

“By donating $20,000 up front to Foodbank WA via the Metres for Meals program while the AFL season is suspended, West Australian families in need will receive support right when they need it most.

“We are thrilled to support the wider WA community thanks to AGL’s generosity.”