Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce EnergyAustralia has extended its partnership with the Bombers as the official retail energy partner for season 2019.

Essendon and EnergyAustralia will again team up this year with Foodbank Victoria for the ‘Goals to End Hunger’ initiative.

For every goal kicked by the Bombers throughout the home and away season, EnergyAustralia will donate 200 meals to Foodbank Victoria.

In 2018 the initiative applied to home games only. A total of 28,400 meals were donated through the Bombers’ 142 home goals, and EnergyAustralia generously increased this final figure to 50,000 meals for Foodbank Victoria.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the club is proud to continue its partnership with EnergyAustralia and Foodbank.

“We are thrilled to be involved in the ‘Goals to End Hunger’ initiative again in 2019 and support Victorians in need by providing food through Foodbank Victoria,” Campbell said.

“With the support of EnergyAustralia and Foodbank, last year we were able to contribute 50,000 meals to Victorians, a small but important step towards combatting hunger in this state.

“Thanks to EnergyAustralia, for every goal kicked by the red and black this season, EnergyAustralia will donate 200 meals to Foodbank. After a fantastic showing in front of goal on Friday night, the tally for the year stands at 6,800 meals.”

Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara said the sheer scale of food insecurity was a shock to most people.

“Every month in Victoria we feed more people than can fit inside a packed MCG. While we have the food to assist 116,000 Victorians every month, another 12,000 are turned away as there’s simply not enough to go around,” McNamara said.

“As an Essendon supporter I’m looking forward to watching the Bombers boot plenty of goals, which will help us close this gap between supply and demand thanks to the generosity of EnergyAustralia.”  

EnergyAustralia head of strategy and reputation Jack Kotlyar said the partnership helps put food on the table for those who need it most.

“Unfortunately for many people in our community it’s not easy getting a well-lit and warm home or a solid meal. Whether it’s the transition to cleaner forms of energy or the basic necessities of life, we don’t want to see anyone get left behind,” Kotlyar said.

“Our work with Foodbank Victoria is about being there for people when they need us most.

“The ‘Goals to End Hunger’ initiative allows EnergyAustralia an opportunity to do something important in a fun way, giving people reason to cheer.” 

EnergyAustralia will continue to provide electrical services across two of the club’s social venues, Windy Hill and Melton Country Club.

To learn more about EnergyAustralia, click here.

To learn more about Foodbank Victoria, click here.