Operation Plum Pudding: Melbourne Showgrounds and CBA Staff Social & Charity Club unite for a Festive Tradition of Giving
17 Jan 2024 / Melbourne Showgrounds
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication to spreading joy during the festive season, the CBA Staff Social & Charity Club successfully delivered 1,150 hampers across Victoria and Tasmania as part of Operation Plum Pudding. This collaborative effort, which took place at Melbourne Showgrounds, involved retired officers and over 200 staff volunteers who packed the hampers, ensuring that they reached recipients' doors just in time for Christmas.
Melbourne Showgrounds is proud to have played a role in this initiative, serving as the central hub for packing the hampers. The spacious and well-equipped facilities at the Showgrounds provided the perfect setting for the assembly of the festive packages. Melbourne Royal was delighted to receive glowing feedback, acknowledging the seamless coordination and smooth execution of the project.
This year's Operation Plum Pudding marks the 68th consecutive year of spreading holiday cheer. Since its inception in 1956, the project has become a cherished tradition, epitomising the spirit of giving and community engagement. The longevity of Operation Plum Pudding is a testament to the enduring commitment of the CBA Staff Social & Charity Club and its partners to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
Melbourne Royal has been a staunch supporter of Operation Plum Pudding for over a decade, offering use of the Melbourne Showgrounds to ensure the success of this heartwarming endeavour since 2013. The Showgrounds' commitment to fostering community initiatives aligns seamlessly with the values of the CBA Staff Social & Charity Club, creating a powerful synergy that has consistently made a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families during the festive season.
The hampers, packed with care and dedication, contain essential items and festive treats that bring warmth and comfort to recipients. The collaborative effort of retired officers and dedicated staff volunteers exemplifies the true spirit of the season – a time for giving, sharing, and spreading joy to those who may be facing challenges. Tim Chenoweth, CBA President, provided some fabulous feedback.
“[The Showgrounds’] generous use of space allowed us to successfully deliver 1,150 hampers across VIC/TAS to recipients in need in the lead-up to Christmas.
“We have heard many stories from our charity partners that this year in particular families have been doing it tough and the hampers and gift cards couldn’t have come at a better time. We simply couldn’t complete the project and brighten these families Christmas’ without [their] support!”
As Operation Plum Pudding continues to make a positive impact year after year, Melbourne Royal looks forward to continuing its support for this remarkable project. The success of the 2023 initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the enduring legacy of Operation Plum Pudding as it enters its seventh decade of making a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about Operation Plum Pudding and to explore ways to get involved, visit CBA Staff Social & Charity Club's website.
