Australian Franchise News – 22-04-09
Victoria suffered Australia’s worst bushfire tragedy ever on 7th February 2009, in what is now referred to as Black Saturday. Sadly, hundreds of Australians lost their lives, and thousands more lost their homes and valued possessions. The fires are now out, but the emotional and financial repercussions of this terrible event are still being felt and will continue over the following months, as the recovery and re-building process really gets underway.
Australians from all over the nation have already given generously to provide an overwhelming financial response for the communities traumatised by the bushfires, but now there’s a way Aussies can continue to help.
This winter SumoSalad is proud to join forces with The Salvation Army to provide additional support for those still affected by the Victorian Bushfires through its SumoSalad Soup Kitchen initiative. To date, The Salvation Army has done a tremendous job by assisting more than 11,000 people across Victoria and providing in excess of 40,000 meals to victims and support crews, and now they can continue to assist the fire-affected communities with the help of SumoSalad.
From May to August, SumoSalad will donate $1 to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal for every litre of soup sold in-store, so Australians can not only enjoy a nutritious bowl of hot, steamy soup on a cold day, but will also be contributing to the worthy cause of helping re-build fire stricken areas. Last winter, over 44,000 litres of soup were sold and this was with half the number of stores, so SumoSalad is setting its sights on doubling this figure for winter 2009.
Communications Director for The Salvation Army, Major Brad Halse said SumoSalad’s support for The Salvation Army’s Bushfire Appeal is a vital initiative and one that is much needed. “The Salvation Army has distributed more than $5.3 million in financial support to bushfire affected communities and has assisted thousands of people, however Australians need to keep supporting the appeal, as many families and communities are still in need of help. SumoSalad’s initiative will provide much needed support for the communities devastated by the bushfire, which will help to rebuild their lives with long-term assistance over the winter months,” states Major Halse.
SumoSalad’s Managing Director, Luke Baylis wanted to give something back to the communities affected by the bushfire tragedy, and provide longer term support for The Salvation Army Victorian Bushfire Appeal. “SumoSalad is one of the little Aussie battlers in the business world, but we wanted to do whatever we could to help our fellow Australians in the communities affected by the Victorian bushfires. The bushfire tragedy is still very much impacting businesses and families, and we wanted to make it easier for Aussies to continue to help, even if it is just as small as buying a soup, because at the end of the day, every dollar will help to rebuild their lives,” explains Baylis.
SUMO’S WINTER SOUP DRIVE – MAY THROUGH TO AUGUST 2009
Customers are being encouraged to head to a SumoSalad store this winter and buy a soup to contribute to The Salvation Army Victorian Bushfire Appeal. SumoSalad will be offering a variety of soup flavours that are certified organic and gluten free, designed especially for SumoSalad by Australian owned organic food company, Organicus. SumoSalad is the first national fast food chain in Australia to introduce organic produce to their menu, continuing their rein as THE healthy fast food alternative.
New delicious and nutritious flavours include Roast Vegetables and Lentils and Beef and Barley with old favourites still available such as Creamy Pumpkin and Chicken and Corn. The four appetising soups are available in two sizes; small ($5.95) and large ($7.95).
In addition to the new range of organic soups, SumoSalad also offers toasted wraps, delicious toasties, long rolls, hot pastas and a new delicious blend of special „Campos? coffee only available in SumoSalad stores.
In addition to buying soups, donations towards The Salvation Army Bushfire appeal can also be made in SumoSalad outlets across Australia over the campaign period. For more information about the initiative, to donate online or for SumoSalad store locations, visit www.sumosalad.com.
SumoSalad – eat large, stay thin!
About SumoSalad
SumoSalad was founded in 2003 by young Aussies Luke Baylis and Co-Director James Miller. Starting with just one store, they have now reached over 70 stores across Australia and aren?t stopping yet. In addition to Australia, SumoSalad has several stores in the UK and Dubai, with this last year seeing the introduction of SumoSalad into New Zealand.