The 4,900 cartons of food were sent from IGA's Blacktown warehouse to Garden Island for the HMAS Tobruk. The food, including rice and tinned seafood, were selected in consultation with Caritas' local partners in Samoa, who are participating in the relief effort and will distribute the food to needy families.
Jack de Groot CEO of Caritas Australia said, "Food supplies are stretched to the limit in Samoa at the moment and this shipment will make a vital contribution to assisting the affected Samoans get back on their feet in the wake of this terrible disaster".
Mr Mick Daly, National IGA Retailer Chairman said, "IGA plays an active role in their local communities and we have used our successful Community Chest program to help provide emergency relief to assist those affected by the tsunami".