Kelly the Koala is taking over Coles supermarkets this Easter as Coles bands together with conservation organization Aussie Ark to raise much-needed funding for the protection of Koalas who are facing extinction in New South Wales and Queensland.

Coles has launched its first-ever free children’s e-book telling Kelly’s story, titled The Picky Little Koala, aimed at 5 to 8  year olds.

For every download of the free e-book between now and 19 April 2022, Coles will donate $1 to Aussie Ark, up to $100,000.

“We are so proud to be working with Coles on this fantastic initiative that not only educates families and future generations on the plight of our iconic koala and all Australian wildlife, but also raises funds to support our programs, such as preserving and expanding koala habitats and protecting against feral pests, weeds and fires,” Aussie Ark President Tim Faulkner said

Australia’s much-loved koalas have now been officially classified as ‘endangered’ after widespread bushfires, drought, floods and land clearing destroyed much of their eucalyptus-rich habitat. Approximately 80% of Koala habitat has been lost and at the current rate of decline, some species of Koala could be extinct by 2050.

“The Picky Little Koala e-book is completely free and comes at a time when we’re looking for new and easy ways to entertain kids over Easter holidays, and what better way than to share the story of Kelly the koala to remind everyone of the importance of protecting our wildlife,” Coles Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson said.

As part of its on-going partnership with Aussie Ark, Coles will continue to donate 5 cents from the sale of every So Soft & Strong Facial Tissues box sold to Aussie Ark to support its vision of creating a long-term future for Australia’s threatened wildlife.

The Picky Little Koala tells a story of Kelly the Koala’s journey to find the perfect home, all thanks to the support of Aussie Ark and their work in preserving and expanding Koala habitats.

Illustrated by Brisbane-based Adam Nickel, who is famous for his mid-century style illustrations, the e-book inspires readers with a nostalgic playfulness and explores the habitats created by Aussie Ark’s Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can download a free copy of The Picky Little Koala e-book from Apple Books and on Google Play.

– Brian Laul