Pratt Foundation Philanthropy
Visy is an important part of local communities— The Pratt Foundation is our way to support them and give back
Visy is devoted to creating a positive societal impact through its philanthropic efforts. The Pratt Foundation was founded by the late Richard Pratt and Jeanne Pratt AC in 1978 and is deeply rooted in the principles of philanthropy and aims to address pressing social issues, promote sustainability, and support education and healthcare on a global scale. Together, these entities exemplify the power of corporate and individual philanthropy, demonstrating their dedication to creating meaningful change and improving lives worldwide.
Visy Cares
Established in 1995, Visy Cares focuses on initiating support projects in areas with significant manufacturing sites or notable community needs. We take pride in having spearheaded and nurtured projects in key locations like Dandenong, Shepparton, Reservoir, Meadow Heights and Sunshine.
Some of our community-driven projects include; youth centres, informational and library resources, community hubs, youth transition centres, hospital infrastructure, sporting facilities, integrated facilities for migrants and refugees, as well as enhancements to local schools.
Supporting the Wodonga Hospital
In commemoration of Visy's two decades in Wodonga, Fiona Geminder, Co-owner of Visy, generously presented a donation on behalf of the Pratt Foundation.
This contribution will enable Albury Wodonga Health to acquire 30 cutting-edge Atom NeoCots and new intravenous poles for the maternity unit.
Supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital
As an ongoing supporter of the RCH, we have donated thousands of toys—including remote controlled cars, puzzles, showbags and soft toys—each year to children, and their siblings, at Christmas. In 2021 and 2023, we were honoured to support The RCH Good Friday Appeal Teddy Bear Hospital.
Supporting bush-fire impacted regions
Following the 2020 bushfires around Tumut, where Visy’s kraft paper mill is located, we established a Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund. It funded local not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver programs, services and activities for local people. These initiatives covered mental health and wellbeing, environmental and wildlife recovery, social connectedness and cultural vibrancy, community infrastructure and equipment.
Providing food relief during the COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020 we joined Second Bite and FareShare, two food rescue charities, to respond to the growing number of Victorians needing food relief. We funded a pilot program which delivered 100,000 Cyrovac pre-cooked frozen meals. The recipients ranged from students at Melbourne and La Trobe universities to neighbourhood organisations in Bairnsdale and Bendigo.
A second pilot program with Melbourne food distribution charity C-Care and The One Box, saw weekly supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables distributed to needy families.
Recovery donation for cyclone affected Hawkes Bay
In March 2023, we made a donation towards the cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay New Zealand, through the Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s Cyclone Relief Fund. The money donated supported the rebuild and recovery of infrastructure in Hawke’s Bay. The funding would target those areas of the region hit hardest by the cyclone.