Founder & Visionary in Residence
A year bursting with pride, love, connection and yellow!
OzHarvest has always been a magnet for magnificent people and 2025 proved it beyond all doubt. From our drivers out in communities every day, to our volunteers helping in everything we do, our teams across the country and of course, our network of partners, the charities we support and every extraordinary person who connected with our cause.
I have to start with our wonderful Nourish program, which turned 10 this year. I am still glowing from a wonderful celebration at HQ with students (past and present), volunteers and educators who have been part of this life-changing journey. When our alumni stood up to share their stories, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as many shared the same message “Nourish is my second family.” These moments remind me, deeply and completely, why we do this work.
CEO CookOff found its wings in a whole new format this year, bringing the magic at nine events across the country. Gourmet food made with love by our incredible chef friends, business leaders connecting with each other in the kitchen and then with guests as everyone breaks bread together. It was a hugely successful fundraiser, but more than that, it was a ‘friendraiser’ that had a profound impact on everyone involved.
Then came the ABC Gives appeal, and I am still pinching myself! Voices of OzHarvest were amplified to communities right across the country from breakfast radio right through to evening shows. Volunteers manned the phones as we took donations and calls as new audiences heard our story. Together, we raised $1 million enabling two million meals to be delivered. We are so grateful to ABC Radio for this great initiative and putting our work in the spotlight at such an important time where the need is greater than ever.
Thanks to our brilliant friends at JCDecaux, OzHarvest blazed yellow right across the country across out of home media and on the sides of buses with two simple words: We’re Here. Because we are and always will be.
Our programs continue to fill me with awe. Over 60,000 future change-makers discovering the joy of food through FEAST at primary and high schools. Nourish graduates beaming with pride and achievement. Seeing our NEST team connect communities and create new life-skills. Nearly 120,000 meals cooked together through Cooking for a Cause. The Refettorio and OzHarvest Markets feeding, caring and comforting those who need it most. Every program and service embodies the OzHarvest spirit.
Thank you from the very bottom of my heart to everyone who helps to ‘Nourish our Country.’
With so much love and gratitude,
Ronni Kahn AO
Founder & Visionary in Residence