Streets have launched a new type of Paddle Pop shaped like a koala to help raise money for our furry friends, particularly following the catastrophic bushfires that ravaged the country.
The ice cream features a blend of chocolate and caramel, made with all-Aussie dairy products, and will hit convenience and petrol stores from this week and are scheduled to hit Coles and IGA stores later this month.
The new addition comes following the ice cream giant pairing with wildlife organisation WIRES to support three key initiatives which will help koalas in Australia, following the deadly bushfires earlier this year that saw a massive 71 per cent decline in the koala population.
“We are a local brand, we want to make sure we do our part for our local heroes,” said Annie Lucchitti, Paddle Pop Brand Manager.
“We want our new Koala Paddle Pop to help raise awareness of koala conservation among Aussie families – and what better way to support these cuddly creatures than with an ice cream in your hand.”
Alex McDonald, head of sustainable business and communications at Unilever, which owns the Paddle Pop, said the company had a responsibility to help tackle Australia’s environmental crisis.
“Bushfires, nature degradation, biodiversity decline and water scarcity are all interconnected issues of climate change,” she said.
“If we don’t take action now, the Australia we know today will look very different in the not too distant future.”
The collaboration will aim to help the building of koala rehabilitation facilities, The Koala Health Hub at the University of Sydney, and the installation of koala water drinkers in areas most impacted by the fires and drought.
Sydney Zoo is also showing its support for the partnership, donating 10 per cent of sales of the ice cream to WIRES throughout September and October.
“There’s still more to be done to continue driving regenerative practices, including restoring soil health, conserving water, increasing local biodiversity, regenerating forests and protecting the animals which inhabit them,” Ms McDonald said.
Leanne Taylor, CEO of WIRES, added that koala numbers have seen a significant decline over the past five to ten years, so increased awareness is “now more important than ever”
“Raising awareness of koala protection is now more important than ever. We are delighted to have the support of Paddle Pop to help advance the conversation and educate more Australian families on this important issue,” Taylor said.
“Supporting the Paddle Pop is a great mix of long-term initiatives, education, hands-on planning for the upcoming summer season and rebuilding of future koala populations.”
The delicious new koala Paddle Pop will cost $2.50 for a single stick or a pack of four for $7.
