Blue Connections IT & Dell join forces to fight hunger

Blue Connections IT and Dell Technologies are supporting the local community by partnering with Anglicare Victoria in a significant initiative aimed at alleviating hunger for vulnerable Victorians.

The event, conducted at Blue Connections IT's headquarters, saw employees from both organisations come together to pack and donate 400 food hampers. These hampers collectively contained 4,400 essential food items and special gifts, aimed at providing much-needed assistance to families in distress. The food hampers have already been distributed across Victoria, highlighting the pressing need for support amidst challenging economic conditions.

Gordon Brownell, chief executive officer at Blue Connections IT, stressed the importance of this initiative against the backdrop of the current cost-of-living crisis. "Thousands of Victorian families are regularly forced to choose between eating meals or paying essential bills. The surge in visits to Anglicare Victoria's emergency relief sites over the past year underscores the pressing need for assistance, with supplies dwindling," Brownell noted. He added that the combined efforts of Blue Connections IT, Dell Technologies, and other key vendors sought to alleviate this burden by assembling hampers with necessary staples, supporting hundreds of families as they brace for the harsh winter ahead.

Participants at the event packed hampers with pantry staples such as cornflakes, long-life milk, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, and pancake mix. To add a personal touch, each hamper included a special gift, such as a teddy bear or a pencil case, along with a heartfelt message for the receiving family. These thoughtful inclusions aimed to provide not only physical sustenance but also emotional encouragement during difficult times.

Kirsty Simpson, director of strategic communications and marketing at Anglicare Victoria, expressed deep gratitude for the collaboration. She highlighted the precarious financial position of many families, stating, "Many Victorians are only one week's salary away from requiring extra support. No family should ever face the dilemma of heating their homes or filling their plates. Anglicare Victoria deeply appreciates the support of Blue Connections IT and Dell Technologies in putting together these vital supplies, with each hamper already relieving a family's unbearable stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from."

Shant Soghomonian, senior director and general manager of channel sales in Australia and New Zealand for Dell Technologies, reiterated the company's commitment to community support. He remarked, "Working alongside Blue Connections IT and Anglicare Victoria to address the most pressing needs of vulnerable Victorians is a privilege. Giving back to the community is integral to the culture at Dell Technologies, and the company is proud to partner with other like-minded organisations to make meaningful contributions."

This ongoing partnership is not the first for Blue Connections IT and Dell Technologies. Last year, their Giving Day focused on children and young people in Anglicare Victoria's care, donating over 400 backpacks filled with essential items to ease transitions into new homes or schools. Their collaboration dates back to 2018, initially involving the refreshment of Anglicare Victoria's technology through device lifecycle management. Their support extended through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuous critical services for families and children.

Since its inception in 2022, Giving Day has evolved into an important tradition, symbolising the impactful achievements possible when corporations collaborate with charitable organisations. The partnership between Blue Connections IT, Dell Technologies, and Anglicare Victoria continues to provide substantial benefits to those in need, showcasing the power of corporate responsibility and community support.