In a world where reality TV stars often become the unexpected voices on social issues, one Married At First Sight personality has taken to social media to voice her discontent with a practice that many of us encounter during our routine grocery runs. Hayley Vernon, a 36-year-old former contestant on the popular reality show, has publicly criticised Coles supermarkets for their approach to charity donations.


On a recent Instagram post, Hayley expressed her disapproval of Coles asking customers to donate to various charities at the checkout. 'Coles supermarket asking its customers for donations. They should donate part of their astronomical profits,' she argued. Hayley's frustration seems to stem from the belief that the supermarket giant, which reportedly made a revenue of $1.1 billion in 2024, should be using a portion of its substantial profits to support charitable causes rather than soliciting additional funds from customers.


This isn't the first time Hayley has made headlines for her outspoken views. Earlier this year, she criticised Woolworths for their decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise, questioning the societal shift towards what she perceives as excessive political correctness. From the renaming of confectionery products with racially insensitive names to the avoidance of Christmas greetings in childcare centres, Hayley has been vocal about her concerns over the changing cultural landscape.


But let's take a step back and consider the broader context of Hayley's recent outburst against Coles. It's not uncommon for supermarkets to engage in philanthropic efforts, often involving customers through donation requests at the point of sale. Coles itself is known to donate millions to Australian charities, including the Red Cross, Guide Dogs, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The practice of asking customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar for charity is widespread and generally well-intentioned.

However, Hayley's comments have sparked a conversation about corporate social responsibility and the role of consumers in charitable giving. Should corporations bear the sole responsibility for making donations from their profits, or is it acceptable for them to encourage customers to contribute to charitable causes? It's a debate that touches on the ethics of business practices and the expectations we have of large companies in terms of their community contributions.

As we ponder these questions, it's important to recognise that everyone has the right to express their opinions, and Hayley's perspective is a reminder that public figures can influence discussions on corporate practices and social issues. Whether you agree with her stance or not, it's clear that her comments have encouraged people to think more critically about where their money goes when they're at the checkout.


For our senior readers, many of whom have lived through significant cultural and societal changes, this topic may resonate on multiple levels. The evolution of corporate philanthropy, the role of consumer choice in charitable giving, and the broader societal shifts towards inclusivity and sensitivity are all part of an ongoing dialogue about the kind of society we want to live in.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter. Do you agree with Hayley's criticism of Coles' charity donation requests? How do you feel about the changing norms around cultural sensitivity and political correctness? Your insights and experiences are valuable contributions to this conversation, and we look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.