In what is a time of great uncertainty for many community groups and charities across the Mid North Coast, Greater Bank is lending its support with the launch of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.
Each month from November, Greater Bank is giving community groups based from Grafton in the north to Forster in the south the opportunity to share in $3,000 by nominating to be part of the program
Greater Bank select three organisations each month that the community then vote on, with the winner receiving $2000 and the runners-up each taking away $500.
Greater Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Morgan said the program is an extension of the customer-owned bank’s commitment to supporting the Mid North Coast region.
“Greater Bank is intrinsically linked to NSW’s Mid North Coast; community which we have been part of since 1980,” Mr Morgan said.
“It is more important than ever to support the communities that support us, which is why we are proud to launch our community funding program across this region,” Mr Morgan said.
“We understand the challenges this region has faced over the past 12 months, from bush fires to COVID-19, which has impacted many individuals and organisations throughout the community.
“This program can generate not only hope but positive action for community groups who can use this funding to keep the doors open, help innovate the way they deliver their programs or even expand their services to support a new or specific need in the community.
“#GreaterMidNorthCoast will make a difference to community groups and we are extremely proud to play a small part in helping these groups achieve their goals, especially during such difficult times.” | Scott Morgan, Greater Bank CEO
Coffs City United Football Club, Rotary Club of Grafton Midday Inc and Samuel Brett Nelson Kickstart Foundation based in the Great Lakes area have been nominated for the first round of the funding program.
Coffs City United FC (CCUFC) is one of the region’s largest and oldest football clubs. It runs a six-a-side competition during the summer months that attracts more than 700 players aged from 8 to 80. Coffs City United is a big supporter of women’s football and in 2018 started a Junior Academy for talented young players that may not have the means or time to commit to the NCF SAP program.
Grafton Midday Rotary is a group of community-minded people who use their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. Most recently, it has committed to raising funds to provide defibrillators for Grafton’s CBD and other places within the town.
The Samuel Brett Nelson Kickstart Foundation was established by Nikki and Steve Nelson in 2017 following the sudden passing of their beloved 10-year-old son, Sam, from previously undiagnosed heart disease, Hydropothic Cardiomyopathy. To honour Sam's memory, the Foundation was established to provide children from underprivileged or compromised backgrounds with access to sporting goods, musical instruments and tuition, swimming lessons and an art program. It also offers children suffering from anxiety or bullying with access to mental and emotional support and martial arts/confident kids’ programs. To date the Foundation has improved the lives of more than 1000 deserving children.
Voting is open from Monday 2 November 2020 and closes at 5pm on Wednesday 25 May 2020. To vote, go online to greater.com.au/greatermidnorthcoast.