One of Australia’s favourite former Bachelors has announced he will be packing bags at a supermarket this weekend to raise money for charity.
TV personality Matthew Johnson, or Matty J to fans, has been announced as ALDI’s inaugural chief packing officer (CPO) and will lead the supermarket’s first ever bag packing service.
Customers who choose to take up the $2 VIPacking service will be able to “sit back” and watch the former Bachelor and other bag packers handle their groceries and will be served a coffee in store while they wait.
The funds raised from the packing service will go toward Australian children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, which hosts recreation activities and hospital programs for kids suffering from the disease.
“What an honour to be chosen as ALDI Australia’s first ever Chief Packing Officer – I’ve always wanted a chief officer title,” Mr Johnson said.
“I like to think I have a certain skill when it comes to packing groceries, but I’ve been brushing up on my speed, agility, and technique, and am looking forward to packing as many bags as I can for this great cause.”
Mr Johnson will be packing bags himself on September 16 from 8:30am in ALDI’s Brookvale store on Sydney’s northern beaches.
For those who can’t make that time, Australians will be able to purchase Camp Quality Special Buys from Saturday or donate to the charity.
Camp Quality T-shirts, hats, sunglasses, waterbottles, and wrapping paper will be sold in-store next week.
ALDI will also match all customer donations at the register or online up to the value of $100,000.
Mr Johnson’s packing skills will be put to the test according to ALDI Managing Director in NSW Alex Foster.
“We know our customers are expert bag packers themselves, so we’ve been busy putting Matty J through his paces to ensure he respects the golden rules of packing — heavy stuff down the bottom, lighter items on top, and make sure the bread doesn’t get squashed!” he said.
ALDI has donated more than $5.3 million to Camp Quality since partnering with the charity in 2020, funds that have helped over 5,662 children attend recreational programs according to the charity’s chief executive Deborah Thomas.
“Camp Quality also raises much needed funds so that children facing the trauma of cancer can do so with specialist cancer care, a supportive community, opportunities for respite and fun experiences, as well as age-appropriate education programs,” she said.