From Vegemite to Carman’s, some of Australia’s most iconic grocery brands are uniting this October with Coles to stand with families facing childhood cancer through Redkite’s national fundraising campaign, Go Red for Redkite.
Every year, around 1000 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer and in the last five years, it is estimated that more than 30,000 Australians – including children, parents, siblings and grandparents – have been directly affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis, according to sources.
“Many of these families continue to navigate treatment and survivorship with significant unmet needs that can continue long after treatment finishes.
“Research shows survivors face ongoing challenges – including twice the rate of severe chronic health conditions and a mortality rate 10 times higher than their peers.”
“This demonstrates that the medical battle is only part of the journey and why the work of national charity Redkite is critical in tackling the emotional trauma and financial burden of childhood cancers.”
This October, it’s time to Go Red for Redkite – now in its second year and proudly backed by Coles together with some of Australia’s “favourite” brands: Bickford’s, Carman’s, Eureka Blueberries, Tip Top and Vegemite.
“By purchasing any participating products at Coles in-store or online, from 1-28 October 2025, shoppers will help children with cancer and their families with support urgently needed to navigate the toughest of times. From the breakfast table to the lunchbox, every purchase will make a difference.”
A Family’s Story: The Mills Family
For the Mills family from Newcastle, Redkite’s support has been a lifeline. When their son Kit was diagnosed with leukaemia at just three years old, the family suddenly found themselves juggling treatment with financial strain and emotional stress.
“Redkite was there when everything felt overwhelming”, said Hannah, Kit’s mum. “They helped us keep food on the table, supported us emotionally, and gave us the strength to get through the hardest days. Knowing that people in the community cared enough to stand beside us made such a difference.”
Now six, Kit has finished treatment and is back at school, a testament to the power of community support.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it impacts the entire family, often in unexpected and hidden ways. That’s why the support of the community is so critical. We’re thrilled to have Coles and some of Australia’s most iconic brands partnering with us through the Go Red for Redkite campaign this October. Together, we’re making it simple for Australians to turn everyday grocery purchases into vital counselling, financial relief and practical support – providing a lifeline for families during the toughest of time of their lives,” said Monique Keighery, CEO of Redkite.
Coles Acting Group Corporate & Indigenous Affairs Officer Jace Armstrong said: “Coles has been a proud partner of Redkite for over a decade, raising more than $55M to help Australian children and families in their time of need. Together with our suppliers, we’re excited to help make this year’s Go Red for Redkite campaign bigger than ever. We hope customers can show their support for Australian children and families too, by purchasing a specially marked product at Coles this October.”
How to Go Red for Redkite
Coles customers can support children and families facing childhood cancer simply by purchasing the following products at Coles in-store or via Coles online this October.*
- Specially marked Coles Brand Bread
- Any Vegemite Jar
- Any Bickford’s 750ml cordial or Bickford’s 1L Juice
- Any Carman’s product
- Tip Top The One White Sandwich Bread, Tip Top The One White Toast Bread or Tip Top The One Wholemeal Sandwich Bread
- Eureka Blueberries.
“A simple action, with a profound impact – helping ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.”
*T&Cs: Campaign period 1-28 October 2025. Maximum donations apply, refer to coles.com.au/redkite.
