AustraliaÍs largest independent supermarket chain IGA has delivered $6.5 million to charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups across Australia in the year ended October 31 2009, through its IGA Community Chest and associated programs.

The IGA Community Chest initiative is a program that operates all year in IGA supermarkets where a percentage of sales is given back to the community when customers purchase a product bearing the IGA Community Chest logo. The unique donation program has donated more than $42 million over the last seven years, with more than 7,000 recipients, including schools, community groups, charities, sports clubs and other local organisations throughout Australia.

Two of the major recipients of this yearÍs program include the Victoria Bush Fire Disaster Relief and the victims of the tsunami in Samoa.

Mick Daly, chairman of the IGA National Board said, ñWe are delighted to give another record donation this year back to the community, despite the Global Financial Crisis. Smaller community groups are facing difficult times, and we are pleased to be able to continue to provide critical donations to these groups.

ñThe IGA Community Chest is an integral part of the philosophy and values on which IGA supermarkets operate and we are passionate about making a difference. The funds are raised in each store locally, and then spent locally with beneficiaries decided by local store owners and customers throughout the year,î added Daly.

For further information on IGAÍs Community Chest please visit www.iga.com.au