Bushfire-affected communities across the South Coast are set to benefit from the #GreaterIllawarra March funding round.
Three local organisations that are playing a vital role in the bushfire relief and recovery efforts - Blaze Aid, Lifeline South Coast and Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc – are the three beneficiaries this month, with Greater Bank providing one-off funding of $30,000, with the split to be determined by the community.
The winner of the public vote will receive $15,000, while the second and third place-getters will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
Greater Bank is encouraging the Illawarra and South Coast communities to get behind the #GreaterIllawarra March funding round by voting for the organisation they’d like to see get a much needed and well deserved financial boost.
Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Greg Creagan, said the power is in the hands of the community to help make a difference to the lives of those affected by the devastating bushfires.
“It was devastating to watch on during Summer as bushfires ravaged the country causing catastrophic damage to so many regions, in particular here on the South Coast,” Greg said.
“We’ve already seen incredible generosity by millions of Australians who have dug deep to support the relief efforts, and this month we are playing a part by supporting organisations who are already doing an incredible job supporting our region.
“The Greater Illawarra funding program has had such a positive impact on local community groups, so we’re encouraging everyone to get behind the program this month and show their support for these bushfire relief organisations.”
Greg Creagan, Greater Bank Illawarra Regional Manager
Voting for the March #GreaterIllawarra program is currently open until Wednesday, April 1 2020.
To submit a vote, people can either go online to greater.com.au/greaterillawarra or visit a Greater Bank branch.
Since launching the #GreaterIllawarra funding program in June 2018, Greater Bank has already given away $63,000 to 63 charity and other community organisations across the Illawarra.
About the recipients
- Blaze Aid is a volunteer-based organisation that works in disaster-affected areas helping families and individuals rebuild their lives and community. They plan to use the #GreaterIllawarra funds to purchase materials such as fences and wiring to help local volunteers rebuild fences and structures that were damaged or destroyed by the South Coast fires.
- Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife so they can be released back into their native habitat. Wildlife Rescue South Coast plan to use the #GreaterIllawarra funds to cover the cost of feeding, housing and providing medical treatment to injured or orphaned native wildlife, as well as assist members to rebuild animal rehabilitation facilities such as cages, enclosures and aviaries.
- Lifeline South Coast provides crisis support, training and financial counselling on the South Coast and plans to use the #GreaterIllawarra funds to continue their local bushfire response activities including the provision of face-to-face support, financial counselling, training and managing the Bushfire Recovery phone line.