While it may have been a tough year for Central Coast’s Iris Foundation, it has finished on a positive note taking out the November round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterCentralCoast community funding program.
For winning the November community vote, Iris Foundation will receive $2,000, which they plan to use to cover essential operational costs, including the upgrade of their digital and IT equipment after a busy year running their in-schools program.
Iris Foundation works to reduce the risk of suicide within the Central Coast community by facilitating and supporting awareness campaigns, programs and partnerships that enhance connectedness and well-being.
The demand for their school-based resilience programs and workshops has increased five-fold this year as a result of COVID, with staff and volunteers working tirelessly to meet the increased demand.
Iris Foundation Executive Officer, Sue Liptrott said the #GreaterCentralCoast funding will support the essential work that goes on behind the scenes to broaden the Foundation’s positive impact.
“We put as much time, energy and money as we possibly can towards providing mental health support to those who need it most. This means that much-needed upgrades to our software and equipment often get neglected,” she said.
“We are extremely grateful to Greater Bank for this funding which will enable us to work more efficiently to support local mental health, especially amongst our young people.”
Also benefiting from the November funding round were Wadalba Rural Fire Brigade and Woy Woy Peninsula Community Child Care, who will each receive $500 as runners-up.
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said it was wonderful to see the #GreaterCentralCoast funding support an organisation that provides much needed mental health support to the youth of the region.
“We understand that in these challenging times, many community groups have suffered due to a lack of fundraising opportunities so to be able to provide financial support to a community group such as the Iris Foundation is uplifting,” he said.
“As a customer-owned bank, Greater Bank is committed to supporting the communities that support us and we are extremely proud to play a small part in helping community groups achieve their goals, especially during such difficult times.”
The December round of the #GreaterCentralCoast program is now open with Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Beauty For Ashes and Days for Girls Avoca Beach Team each vying for a share in the $3000 funding.