Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm donates half a million dollars to Bendigo Foodshare charity

We were blown away to hear of the recent donation from Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm to local charity Bendigo Foodshare.

Our longtime friend and client Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm have been a strong supporter of several social and community services throughout regional Victoria for many years.

Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm have donated significant funds over the past 20 years to our local community, with many of these also thanks to fundraising efforts from others involved.

In light of Bendigo Foodshare’s recent campaign to raise $1.8 million for a new warehouse, topping all other donations for the project to date, Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm donated a whopping $500,000 to the cause.

This donation is the largest single donation they have ever gifted to an organisation.

The Hazeldene Family

The Hazeldene story began in 1938 when Jack Hazeldene left Bendigo to pilot Wellington bombers during World War II, leaving the task of caring for his 200 fowls to his 10 year old brother, Dick. Sadly, Jack was killed in the war and so, over the next 70 years, Dick devoted his life to turning those 200 fowls into a thriving poultry business.

Hazeldene’s has its roots in Kangaroo Flat, where it began in various types of hand-built shedding and machinery.

Dick and Mavis Hazeldene’s drive, professionalism and ultimate success saw the establishment of free-range chicken coops at Lockwood.

Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm was incorporated in 1957 and has been growing rapidly ever since. With breeding and rearing farms, a hatchery, growing farms and a processing facility now scattered across Central Victoria, the heart of the business still lies in the unassuming country area of Lockwood.

It is still very much a family owned business with over 1,000 staff, being one of the largest employers in our region.

It is thanks to businesses like Hazeldene’s Chickens, that local charities continue to exist and play an important role in our regions.

Playing more than one part in society

The business is proudly a culturally diverse workforce, employing many varying ethnic groups that work harmoniously together. They offer various interpreting and translating services and have a dedicated prayer room.

Mission Possible campaign

The donation from Hazeldene’s along with many other local donations means that Bendigo Foodshare are now only $400,000 away from achieving their fundraising goal. Other major support has been received from Kirkland Gold, City of Greater Bendigo, Victorian State Government, Yulgilbar Foundation, and many businesses and individuals in Central Victoria.

We are so appreciative of this incredibly generous donation by Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm and on behalf of the community would like to give a huge thank you for providing the support to help Bendigo Foodshare look after our region.