September 27, 2021 | By Bronwen Largier
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has extended its community support initiatives, by joining Bright Sparqe, which facilitates the venue donating items to charities which distribute them to those in need.
MCEC has donated goods such as fresh milk, coffee plungers, serving spoons, consumables and cups and lids through the online platform, which allows charities to browse available items and collect them from the convention centre in real-time.
“The event industry can be a wasteful one, and while we are doing our best to avoid waste in the first place, it’s great to be able to donate leftover and unwanted items to the local community, particularly when it can go to people in need,” said MCEC’s Sustainability Manager Sam Ferrier.
“MCEC started utilising the Bright Sparqe platform in March this year and made our first donations in April, which were all accepted rapidly by charities including Ronald McDonald House North Fitzroy, BK 2 Basics Melbourne, Theodora House INC and Souper Kitchen.”
MCEC also has a continuing partnership with food rescue charity OzHarvest.