Beginning as a modest effort in 1956, the Commonwealth Bank’s Operation Plum Pudding initiative has grown into a 70-year legacy, providing over a thousand meals every year to those in need.
Operated by Commonwealth Bank Australia’s Staff Social and Charity Club (CBA SSCC), the initiative sees hundreds of current and retired staff fundraising, packing and delivering food hampers and vouchers to families and individuals across Victoria and Tasmania.
“The CBA SSCC are very proud of Operation Plum Pudding, now in its 70th year,” says the project’s coordinator, Mary. “The whole project engages around 250 staff, past and present, and is a testament to the good will, community spirit and generosity of those who really want to be involved in making a real difference to so many families at Christmas time.”
Uniting Vic.Tas has been a beneficiary of this generous support for many years. In 2025, CBA SSCC’s packaged and delivered 250 hampers to those in vital need across Uniting’s community services.
Unfortunately, Christmas time can be one of the most challenging times of year for those experiencing crisis and hardship. With over 1 million children facing poverty in Australia, these food hampers provide dignity, food relief and much needed hope to families during the holidays.
One mother, a recipient of the hampers, was in tears and overwhelmed by the generosity of the program. Unable to express her gratitude, her teenage son shared: “You don’t know how much this means to her. It’s one less thing to worry about for Christmas.”
Planning for Operation Plum Pudding begins as early as May, as the Committee organise funds and liaises with Woolworths to bulk order staple pantry items and purchase food vouchers, empowering families to shop for themselves and buy food which brings them comfort. Plum puddings, custard, cream and Christmas cards are also donated to share the Christmas spirit and cheer.
Frank Richards, a former CBA Geelong staff member and member of the St Andrews Uniting Church congregation in Geelong, has played an integral role in the operation’s success. In his passing in 1987, Frank generously left his estate to the CBA SSCC to support Operation Plum Pudding. This bequest has helped substantially increase hamper numbers and provide practical care for more people in need.
In Frank’s honor, an allocation of hampers is delivered to the Geelong area every year and a memorial plaque and rose bush were established to recognise and commemorate his act of kindness and ongoing legacy.
If you’re interested in exploring how your workplace can support families in need, contact the Community Fundraising Team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1800 668 426.
