A charity that provides support and encouragement to kids in rural areas is the inaugural winner of the Greater Bank’s #GreaterCentralWest community funding program.
Dubbo-based organisation Doin It For Rural Aussie Kids has received $2000 to help with its activities, which include outreach programs and providing Christmas presents to families in need.
Each month, Greater Bank gives away $3,000 through the #GreaterCentralWest community funding program, with a public online vote deciding the winning organisation, which receives $2,000, with the two runners up each receiving $500.
The runners up for August are Orange CYMS Junior Rugby League Football Club and Raglan RFS Brigade, which have each received $500 from Greater Bank.
Doin It For Rural Aussie Kids founder Jason Owen said kids need to know it’s possible to reach their goals, no matter where they come from.
“I’m from a tiny little place called Albert, 130 kilometres west of Dubbo, and there were only five kids in my class when I finished year 10,” Jason said.
“I always loved music and wanted to pursue my dreams of a career in the industry, so I auditioned for the X-Factor and eventually finished as runner up, so I share my story with kids at schools to show them that you can achieve whatever you want to, no matter where you come from or how big your school is.
“COVID put the brakes on school visits and prevented us from holding our usual fundraising events, so this money will really help us continue our activities, which this year will include mailing Santa sacks to rural families in need to make their Christmas a little bit brighter.”
Greater Bank’s Central West Regional Sales Manager, Will Boyd, said he’s delighted the region has been included in the Greater Community Funding Program.
“Plenty of people in the bush battle at the best of times, but the impact of the pandemic over the last 18 months has meant even more people are doing it tough,” Will said.
“Organisations like Doin It For Rural Aussie Kids play a tremendous role in reaching out through schools in rural and remote areas and letting kids know they’re not alone and that they can achieve their dreams, so we’re delighted they are the first winner of the #GreaterCentralWest Community Funding Program.
Will Boyd, Central West Regional Sales Manager
“The program is open to all different kinds of groups including the Rural Fire Service, sporting clubs and charities, in fact any local organisations that make our communities greater.”
The September round of the #GreaterCentralWest community funding program is now open with Bathurst Radio Control Model Sports, Narromine Rescue Squad Inc. (Dubbo) and Orange Little Athletics Club in the mix for a share in the $3000 funding.
The public can cast their vote online here or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 29 September 2021.