The #GreaterIllawarra funding program has celebrated a significant milestone with those who have benefitted from the $50,000 distributed since its inception.
Launched in June 2018, the program has supported a wide variety of charitable and community groups from across the Illawarra by giving away $3,000 each month, which is split amongst three beneficiaries.
More than 50 representatives from the benefiting groups recently gathered at Wollongong Tennis Club along with members of Greater Bank’s branch staff from across the Illawarra to celebrate the gift of giving and share their stories of how the funding has helped make the Illawarra region greater.
The October #GreaterIllawarra winner was also announced at the event with the Serbian Folkloric Group 'Ravna Gora' named as the major beneficiary for the month. It was a double celebration for the group, who also took out the wildcard draw. The wildcard win saw the Serbian Folkloric Group take home an additional $3000.
Serbian Folkloric Group Treasurer, Lili Kosic said the group was extremely grateful for the financial support from Greater Bank, which will be used to cover costumes costs and also help fund the group’s trip to Adelaide next year to perform at a Serbian Folkloric Festival.
“We are a small group and covering costs can be tough, which is why we are so grateful for the funds we have received from Greater Bank,” Ms Kosic said.
“We couldn’t believe our luck when we also won the Wildcard Draw which means we will now be able to cover the majority of travel costs for our group to perform at the Serbian Folkloric Festival in Adelaide early next year,” she said.
Greater Bank’s Regional Sales Manager for the Illawarra, Greg Creagan, is over the moon with the support the program has received and was delighted to again see many of the beneficiaries at the Wollongong event.
“Supporting the communities that support us is fundamental to our business and the #GreaterIllawarra program is a wonderful representation of this philosophy,” Mr Creagan said.
“It was great to get the previous winners back together and hear their stories about how our support has benefited them. There were so many cases of organisations receiving relatively small amounts of funding which had made such a large impact.
“It was a wonderful event that put a big smile on the faces of Greater Bank staff, knowing the positive impact and real difference we are making to our community.”
The #GreaterIllawarra program continues in December. Voting closes on Wednesday 18 December. Vying for their share in $3000 will be Kiama Swim Club, NSW Marine Rescue – Wollongong Branch and Albion Park Little Athletics Club.
To submit your vote, either go online to greater.com.au/greaterillawarra or visit any Greater Bank branch.