A CHARITY dedicated to improving the health of the Mallee and its people is "delighted" that it will receive a boost from a supermarket chain's fundraising efforts.
Ritchie's supermarkets has introduced a community benefit program that will include Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundation as a beneficiary.
Mildura Base Public Hospital chief executive Terry Welch said he was pleased to be able to connect with Ritchies, and the foundation would use these funds for a project, or to purchase supplies or equipment.
"I've seen this program work. People think small donations don't make a difference but it absolutely makes a difference," he said.
"For us to be chosen and supported in such a way, it delighted me and I'm looking forward to being able to connect to the community and look forward to being able to use those benefits as part of our program."
Ritchies Victorian state manager Wayne Harrison said the group felt it was important to support the community.
"We are the oldest and largest independent supermarket in Australia and the way we did that was by partnering with our local communities our charities our schools our hospitals," he said.
"We are not as big as the (major) chains, but what we think is our biggest advantage as Ritchies is that we give back to the community."
Mr Harrison said the business chose to support the MBPH Foundation due to its positive work in the Sunraysia region.
"We look at things that really matter to the community and the hospital foundation serves the community so it was something we were really keen to show our support to," he said.
"They serve the community their way and we serve it in our way, so it's a great partnership."
Ritchies have contributed money to thousands of clubs, schools and charities, totalling $52 million in donations.