A new partnership between Costa Group and Pathfinders will help extend the impact of the annual Pumpkin Run, with fresh, locally grown produce now being donated each month to support Soul Hub Newcastle.
Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan recently accepted the first monthly donation of 100 kilograms of tomatoes from Costa Group in Guyra before the produce was transported to Newcastle by the Pathfinders Tilbuster Station team.
Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan, young people and staff, with Costa Group Manager Christopher Cameron following the handover of the first monthly tomato donation in Guyra.
Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan with Costa Group Manager Christopher Cameron following the handover of the first monthly tomato donation in Guyra.
The tomatoes have now been delivered to Soul Hub, where they will be used to prepare fresh meals for people experiencing hardship and homelessness. During the delivery, Soul Hub staff shared that a reduction in donated food has been impacting the organisation’s ability to meet growing demand. Last year alone, Soul Hub served more than 80,000 meals to people in need across the Newcastle community.
The new partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between Pathfinders and Soul Hub through the annual Pumpkin Run.
Earlier this year, young people and staff from Tilbuster Station travelled to Newcastle as part of the Pumpkin Run, donating tonnes of pumpkins to Soul Hub, volunteering alongside staff in the kitchen to help prepare and serve lunch, and distributing pumpkins throughout the community to people doing it tough.
For more than 12 years, the Pumpkin Run has provided young people with opportunities to develop practical skills, give back to their communities and experience the value of helping others. Pumpkins grown at Tilbuster Station are harvested by young people and staff before being delivered to charities and community organisations across New South Wales.
The new monthly partnership with Costa Group means that support will now continue well beyond the annual Pumpkin Run, ensuring fresh produce continues to reach those who need it most throughout the year.
Soul Hub Newcastle General Manager Matt Ortiger receives the first monthly donation of tomatoes from the Pathfinders Tilbuster Station team – Semi, Alan and Keeton.
Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan thanked Costa Group for supporting the initiative.
“The Pumpkin Run has always been about much more than delivering produce. It creates opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities, develop practical skills and see first-hand the value of giving back. We’re incredibly grateful to Costa Group for helping us extend that impact throughout the year.”
Tilbuster Station Manager Anthony Simmons said the partnership reflects the values at the heart of the program.
“At Tilbuster, young people learn practical skills through agriculture, but they also learn what it means to give back, take responsibility and be part of their community. Being able to continue making regular donations like this means those lessons continue long after the Pumpkin Run has finished.”
Pathfinders thanks Costa Group for its generous support and looks forward to continuing this partnership, helping deliver fresh produce to organisations making a real difference in their communities.
