Greater the first to reach a million dollar milestone in support of HMRI

Date: 14/10/2009

The Greater Building Society is the first organisation to reach a million dollar milestone in its support for Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The Hunter based building society is a foundation gold circle sponsor of the region's renowned medical research institute. Over the past 11 years the Greater has donated more than $1.12 million to help establish HMRI and fund key research projects in the areas of stroke and melanoma.

Greater CEO Don Magin urged other businesses to get behind HMRI as a sound investment in the future of the region.

"HMRI is attracting world class health researchers and also keeping our best and brightest in the Hunter," Mr Magin said.

"A strong HMRI means new treatments and more medical practitioners to provide care to and help save the lives of local people," he said.

Last month the Greater gave $240,000 to renew its three year funding of work by Dr Neil Spratt and his HMRI Stroke Research Group colleagues who are developing a 'tissue clock' that could overturn the time barrier to treatment.

The Greater was also the major supporter of Associate Professor Darren Shafren and his team's research into how viruses such as the common cold could be harnessed to kill melanoma cells.

“The Greater has seen how its early investment has yielded great outcomes in research and realises the importance to HMRI and the region of continuing that investment.”

"On behalf of its members, the Greater continues to support a range of community and sporting organisations in the areas in which it operates."

Media information: Craig Eardley, ChurchComm, on 0437 477 493.