Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast has taken out the May edition of the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding initiative.
The organisation’s fundraising wings were seriously clipped in 2020 due to COVID, with their regular fundraising initiatives often cancelled, leaving many of the group’s volunteers regularly having to dip into their own pockets keep the service running.
The Central Coast arm of Australian Seabird Rescue was established in 2005 and has grown to now include around 30 volunteers who juggle full-time work and their everyday lives to rescue, rehabilitate and release Australian seabirds, turtles and other marine life that come into their care.
The grant could not have come at a better time for the group who will use the funds to restock equipment and supplies at the centre.
Cathy Gilmore, who set up the Central Coast arm of Australian Seabird Rescue, said the biggest winners from the #GreatCentralCoast funding initiative will be the birds and animals who come into their care.
“I am just so delighted we have been recognised in such a way by our community and I honestly can’t thank Greater Bank enough for this support,” Cathy said.
“This means so much to me and the organisation, but it’s the injured wildlife currently in our care, and those that will be in the future, who will benefit the most from this.
“There is no better feeling in the world than seeing an animal you have witnessed at their very worst recover and thrive again thanks to the love and care you have given them.”
Central Coast Teddy Bear Picnic supporting Bear Cottage Superhero week and Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre Inc both received $500 as the runners up for May.
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said recognising those organisations and volunteers within the region who put the care of animals and others above themselves was always well deserved.
“The #GreaterCentralCoast community funding program continues to deliver positive outcomes for community groups and organisations on the Central Coast,” Josh said.
“The immediate impact of May’s funding injection is why we continue to do this.
“I’ve been reliably informed that the $2000 will not only help Cathy and the team at Australian Seabird Rescue with the rehabilitation of Tom the long neck turtle, but also Violet the Crested Tern and Willow the baby spoonbill.”
“Everyone on the Central Coast will be beneficiaries of this when we see them back out in the wild thriving again.”
Voting is now open for the next round of #GreaterCentralCoast with three new nominees vying for their share of $3,000.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greatercentralcoast or by visiting a Greater Bank branch.