Esso and the Lions Club support Gippslanders in need

The project dates back to 1974, when Esso and BHP partnered with the Lions Club of Sale to provide Christmas hampers to needy families in Sale and the surrounding districts, stretching from Loch Sport to Toongabbie.

The program has seen over 9,000 hampers of food delivered to those in need and since 2013, the food parcel has become a supermarket voucher, allowing recipients to select a meal of their choosing.

This year, the much-appreciated program clocks up 45 years of helping those in need at year’s end.

Ahead of this year’s run, Esso Community Relations Advisor Angela Jones recently handed over 220 Coles vouchers to the Sale Lions who in turn gave Esso a banner to mark the milestone year.

“The program would not have been possible without the continuing support of the Esso/BHP joint venture,” said Sale Lions Club President Aidan Wade.

“Esso’s relationship with the Lions Club is the longest running association any company has had with a not-for-profit in the area.”

“We're proud of our partnership with the Lions Club which is yet another example of the significant investment we have been making into the Gippsland community for more than four decades,” said Esso’s Community Relations Adviser Angela Jones.

“We believe it is also important to contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the communities in which we live and work. Esso strives to have a lasting, positive effect on the local community.”