With a cohort of just 14 students from 12 families, fundraising for school activities is always challenging for the Bendemeer Public School P&C; meaning the students often miss out on equipment, resources and activities many larger schools take for granted.
It’s why an injection of $3000 from the February round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterNewEngland community funding program has been so warmly received and is set to make a significant impact on the school.
The school’s P&C took out the public vote and major prize for the month, ahead of the runners-up, Armidale Campdraft Club and Joblink Plus, who each received a $1000 share.
Bendemeer Public School P&C Secretary, Mrs Edwina Byrne said that funding for schools is based on student enrolment numbers, and given they are a small school, the P&C plays an important fundraising role in the community.
“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and committed P&C that works tirelessly to provide the school and students with those additional ‘nice to have’ items that many schools in larger regional and metro-based schools take for granted,” Edwina said.
“Being a small community, fundraising can be a challenge when we are reaching out to the same people on a regular basis.”
“The #GreaterNewEngland program was such a simple way for our community, along with their family and friends, to band together and vote for our P&C for a chance to win this much-needed funding. We cannot thank you enough.”
The P&C has earmarked part of the funding for a major project that will see the installation of shade within the school playground, library books and a student vote for a mural to brighten the school grounds.
“With guidance from Tamworth Art Gallery, we are hoping to engage some local artists to produce a large mural in the school grounds where students can be involved with the installation,” Edwina said.
“It will be a great project to engage all our students and add a wonderful splash of colour to the school grounds.”
Greater Bank’s Regional Sale Manager, Jennifer Smith, was delighted that the #GreaterNewEngland program was again providing a significant impact to a small group.
“For nearly five years now we have seen the wonderful benefits that this program is providing for community groups right across New England. Bendemeer Public School P&C is another group that works so hard to raise funds to support their students and we know this injection of funds will make a huge impact on their small but passionate community.”
Jennifer Smith, Greater Bank Regional Manager.
The March round of the #GreaterNewEngland program is now open with Farrer School Foundation Inc, Step Up Gunnedah and Armidale Youth Futures each vying for a share in the $5000 funding. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 31 March 2021.