By Brendan Rees
A Cranbourne organisation, which supports thousands of children settle into foster care, has collected a $30,000 windfall.
In celebration of 100 years of employee giving, Commonwealth Bank donated the Centenary Grant to Backpacks 4 Vic Kids on Tuesday 17 April.
Backpack 4 Vic Kids received the Centenary Grant, with Kilsyth, Mount Eliza and Somerville branches and employees having nominated it in recognition of the much needed services it provides to the local community.
The inspiring and far reaching impact of the work undertaken by Backpack 4 Vic Kids was a crucial factor in it receiving the grant.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support organisations like Backpack 4 Vic Kids in the important work they do for our local community,” said Commonwealth Bank Kilsyth Branch Manager Debora-Ann Howarth.
“It’s especially meaningful that we are able to celebrate 100 years of employee giving, by nominating an organisation to receive a Centenary Grant in our local community.”
Backpacks 4 Vic Kids founder Sally Beard said she was overwhelmed to receive the grant.
“We were absolutely thrilled to receive not one but three calls from Commonwealth Bank branches, nominating Backpacks 4 VIC Kids to receive Centenary Grants,” she said.
“Ten-thousand dollars is a huge amount of money to us, in fact it’s enough for us to continue for about one month, producing and delivering around 200 filled nappy bags and backpacks.”
Ms Beard added: “To receive $30,000 is simply amazing, and gives us such relief I can’t tell you.”
“Fundraising is hard work so to receive this kind of support means that we can concentrate on doing what we do, and that’s providing much needed items to children suddenly displaced, usually with nothing more than what they’re wearing at the time,” she said.
“On behalf of Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, and the children who will receive our packs, thanks CommBank and staff of Kilsyth, Mt. Eliza and Somerville branches. Your kindness is very much appreciated.”
Commonwealth Bank employees are giving $10 million to community organisations, with 1,000 Centenary Grants valued at $10,000 being distributed.
More than 13,000 current and retired bank employees donate a portion of their income to the program, with Commonwealth Bank contributing up to $2 million each year as well.
