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Media Alert
Immediate Release
Peel Thunder helps to kick hunger to the sidelines for Foodbank
Footy fans across the Peel Region are being urged to step up for their community at the 2026 Peel Thunder Charity Game Day, taking place on Saturday 2 May at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah.
The Round 5 clash between Peel Thunder Football Club and West Perth Falcons is more than just a game – it’s a chance to help tackle growing food insecurity, with all funds and food donations supporting Foodbank WA’s Peel operations.
In a significant boost for the campaign, for the third year running, Alcoa will once again match every dollar donated, effectively doubling the support available to local families doing it tough.
The need has never been greater. The 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed 231,000 Australian households are now experiencing severe food insecurity – an 18 per cent increase on last year – while demand in the Peel Region alone has risen by more than 15 per cent over the past 12 months. Rising interest rates and increasing petrol prices are adding further strain to household budgets, pushing more families to the brink.
Kate O’Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, said the charity game comes at a critical time.
“Right now, we’re seeing more people than ever before needing support, including families who never imagined they’d be in this position,” she said.
“As living costs continue to climb – from mortgages to fuel – many households are being forced to make impossible choices just to get through the week.”
“Events like this provide immediate, practical help by putting food on tables and easing pressure for families who are struggling to keep up.”
Alcoa’s Pinjarra Operations Manager Jodie Giraudo said the company was proud to support Foodbank and Peel Thunder to help provide practical assistance to people and families struggling to put food on the table.
“With the majority of our employees living and working in the Peel region, we have a responsibility to give back to the local community in meaningful ways like this.” Jodie said.
“We have worked closely with Foodbank Peel since 2020 because we know there is tremendous need for access to fresh, healthy and affordable food and groceries.
“This is our third year as the Peel Thunder Charity Game Day partner where we match fan donations dollar for dollar. We are calling on all footy fans to support the cause and enjoy a great family day out.”
Executive Officer at Peel Thunder said, “The Peel Thunder Football Club is all about being connected to our community and we are super proud to stand alongside Foodbank the last 5 years. For the 3rd year running we’ll have the amazing support of Alcoa partnering our Annual Foodbank Game Day where they match all our fans donations dollar-for-dollar.”
“While our focus is often about our performance on the field, we recognise the importance of using football as a connector to make a meaningful difference off it. Food insecurity is a very real challenge for many individuals and families in our region, and through these partnerships, we aim to shine a light on the incredible work done by Foodbank while encouraging our members, partners, fans, and the broader community to get involved.”
“As a collective, we are working to generate vital funds and food donations to support Foodbank, ensuring more people in our community have access to essential food relief. We thank Alcoa for their commitment to endorsing this initiative with their dollar-for-dollar match.”
“We simply encourage everyone connected to our club to play their part.” He concluded.
Donations can be made on the day which Alcoa will match dollar for dollar, or prior to the game here: https://peel-thunder-foodbankwa.raiselysite.com/.
Media contact:
Kath Robinson | Brand and Engagement Manager
kath.robinson@foodbankwa.org.au | 08 9463 3806 | 0414 558 957
About Foodbank WA
Hello, we’re Foodbank WA. We believe everyone should have access to healthy food. There are Western Australians going without every day, and we are working hard to change that.
We provide food and groceries to those who struggle to afford them. We also deliver nutrition education to promote healthy eating and advocate on behalf of people that experience hunger and food insecurity.
We are here to support Western Australians in times of need. We do this through: We work with farmers, wholesalers, manufactures and retailers who donate and redirect surplus product to us. This also plays a vital role in tackling food waste and positively contributes to climate change by reducing CO2 emissions arising from landfill. Our purpose is to Feed. Educate. Advocate.