MVSLC club president and life member Jon Dibbs said the Greater had cast the club a lifeline with its significant financial support at a time when economic instability has seen sponsorship for community organisations dry up.

Mr Dibbs said that the funding will be used for new rescue equipment such as boards and tubes as well as maintaining the first aid room, rescue boat and quad bike.

“Surf clubs simply can’t survive without sponsors so it is the Greater that is doing the lifesaving,” Mr Dibbs said.

“We will be spending the money on equipment that is vital to our work of patrolling and keeping beaches safe for the community,” he said.

“These funds are supporting the whole community by sustaining the lifesaving service at Mona Vale Beach.

“This partnership goes back to the ‘good old days’ where the local bank supports the local community organisation, and that in turn will see significant support coming from our members.

“We look forward to supporting Greater Building Society and encourage the community to support them as well.”

One of the people to benefit from the Greater’s support is five year old Charli Munro who starts Nippers this season. Mr Dibbs said Charli was a potential lifesaver of tomorrow and the third generation of the Munro family that is active in the Club.

Greater Building Society Mona Vale branch manager Doug MacDonald said the Greater tried to support a grass roots community organisation in each of the areas in which it operates.

“The men and women at Mona Vale Surf Club do a fantastic job keeping our staff, our customers and other community members safe at our beautiful local beach,” Mr MacDonald said.

“When we heard that they urgently needed equipment we had to try to help,” he said.
 
“We are also impressed by the family orientation of the Club and if the Greater can help kids like Charli to be active and healthy then that is a great investment in our local community.”

The Greater has 66 branches across NSW and the Queensland Gold Coast. It has had a branch in Mona Vale since 1984 and moved to its Park Street location in 2008.

Mr MacDonald said the Greater had recently signed global comedian Jerry Seinfeld to be in its latest marketing campaign designed to raise its profile as a competitive, friendly alternative to the major banks.