Adelaide, South Australia
Photo: John Krüger
By Nicholas Rider
The Australian arm of Reckitt Benckiser (RB) will donate $1 million of disinfectant products to Meals on Wheels Australia.
According to RB, the donation will bolster the efforts of the not-for-profit organisation which delivers more than 14.8 million meals per year to the country’s elderly, and has seen a significant increase in demand, as a result of COVID-19.
Committed to creating a cleaner, healthier world, RB has pledged to provide Meals on Wheels with a selection of disinfectant products from across its health and hygiene portfolios. This includes household items from brands such as Glen 20, Pine O Cleen and Dettol.
Much needed help
Jérôme Lemaire, General Manager at RB Hygiene ANZ says in the current climate, hygiene has never been more important.
“As a leader in this space, we are dedicated to supporting all Australians, though we are cognisant that our nation’s most vulnerable – the elderly – may be struggling to get their hands on our products, particularly those who are currently self-isolating with limited support systems in place,” he said.
“We want to do what we can to help them get through this.”
Glenn Cochran, General Manager at RB Health ANZ, added: “Whether delivering nourishing meals or simply lending an ear for a chat, Meals on Wheels is a lifeline for many elderly Australians.
“We hope that by donating our products we can make a positive difference to the Meals on Wheels community, helping to ensure the health and wellbeing of its clients and volunteers, so it can safely continue to provide its much needed services in the face of the virus.”
The process
Products will be distributed to both Meals on Wheels clients and the volunteers who support them over the next eight months. This will start with the delivery of Glen 20 and Dettol hand sanitiser products in NSW from mid-April.
Sharyn Broer, President of Meals on Wheels Australia says the organisation is “thrilled” to be receiving this much needed support from the team at RB.
“On one level,” she said, “it will be much appreciated by our clients as they try their best to keep their homes clean and healthy during this time.
“It is also great news for our volunteer network, who will be able to use the products to maintain hygiene while preparing and delivering meals.”
