AU: Pink oranges under the hammer to support the McGrath Foundation
The Cara Cara orange, with its bright pink flesh, is a recent addition to Australian orchards and is coming into season now. It’s known for its sweet taste and berry, tropical and floral flavours.
One of the earliest adopters of the variety, Fresh Citrus Direct, is auctioning its first box of this season’s Cara Cara oranges online this year to support the McGrath Foundation, which seeks to ensure every Australian family experiencing breast cancer has access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and to increase breast awareness in young women.
Tim Arnold of the Riverland-based family business says with its distinctive pink flesh, the Cara Cara is a natural fit for the McGrath Foundation, and believes its mission to support Australian families experiencing breast cancer is a great cause to support.
“We thought besides the obvious connection between the fruit’s pink flesh and the McGrath Foundation’s core colour, ‘pink’, the fact the McGrath Foundation is committed to educating and deploying breast care nurses, particularly in country areas, meant it was a very worthwhile cause."
“We are a family-run, country-based business and supporting a program that benefits many communities similar to ours makes complete sense. We like what they do and how they go about it.”
He says helping to support Chairman and Co-Founder of the McGrath Foundation, Glenn McGrath, was also bonus. “With Mum, Dad and three boys in the business, we grew up watching cricket. Glenn McGrath was a hero around our place.”
Citrus Australia CEO, Judith Damiani, congratulated the Arnold family for their initiative and encouraged Australians to get involved.
“The McGrath Foundation is a very worthwhile cause and it’s great to see the Australian citrus industry getting behind it – and raising awareness about an exciting new citrus variety at the same time.
“Two years ago Citrus Australia raised $7,400 for the McGrath Foundation during its national conference charity auction and we’re pleased to see these funds support regional McGrath Breast Care Nurses right across Australia.
“Perhaps this record can be beaten,” she encouraged.
Judith says the Australian navel season is just beginning and that red navels are increasingly popular. “The natural pink flesh owes its colour to the red pigment lycopene, which is also a powerful antioxidant.”
McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracy Bevan, says the Foundation relies on the support of the community to ensure every Australian family experiencing breast cancer has access to basic, physical and psychological support, no matter where they live or their financial situation.
“Funds raised from initiatives like these are essential to ensure the work of the Foundation’s 84 McGrath Breast Care Nurses continues. We are fortunate to have friends in the citrus industry who are committed to supporting the McGrath Foundation,” says Tracy.
The auction will run until 23 June, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.
Fresh Citrus Direct is also donating 20c from each kilogram of Cara Caras sold through their online store directly to the Foundation.
To place your bid go to http://www.quicksales.com.au/ad/charity-auction-seasons-first-premium-pink-navel-oranges-15kg/6936234
For more information:
Citrus Australia
Tel: +61 (0)3-5023 6333
[email protected]
www.citrusaustralia.com.au
