Tomatoes grown in a Tatura greenhouse will be part of a fundraising campaign for a medical condition.
This November, 15c from each pack of Flavorite tomatoes grown in Tatura and sold in Coles supermarkets will go towards research and for care and support for patients with bone marrow failure syndromes.
The campaign will be channelled through Maddie’s Vision, established in the memory of 26-year old Maddie Riewoldt.
Organisers hope to raise $100,000 through the November campaign.
The campaign has particular, personal significance for the Millis family which jointly owns the Flavorite company and runs the greenhouses in Tatura and Katunga.
Tom Millis who is the marketing manager for Flavorite, said his father battled with multiple myeloma.
“We were lucky to have close family to share the highs and lows, but many face this journey alone, which is frightening and overwhelming,” Mr Millis said.
“Our Maddie’s Month campaign with Coles and Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is raising awareness and improving outcomes for patients and families.”
The Flavorite products, sold through Coles, will be in specially marked containers and will comprise vine-ripened cherry tomatoes in 200g packs, mini Capsicums (175g) and mini tomatoes (125g).
Since the establishment of Maddie’s Vision, $8 million has been raised.
Every three days, an Australian is diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, many of whom are children or young adults, and 50 per cent will not survive.
Flavorite owns four greenhouses in Victoria and employs about 1000 people. The Tatura greenhouse occupies about 28 hectares and a new logistics facility is expected to be commissioned early next year.