It’s fair to say that the last couple of year have been tough on the South Coast community.
The bushfires of January 2020 through to the global pandemic were reminders that we’ve been living in unprecedented and uncertain times.
That’s why supporting the communities that support us is more important than ever.
Our #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program that was launched in June 2018 has been central to our support of the region. To date the program has allocated $192,000 to 162 organisations across the Illawarra and South Coast region.
Each month, an online public vote decides how the $3,000 is divided, with $2,000 going to the organisation that receives the most votes and $500 each to the monthly runners-up. So far this year, more than 32,000 votes have been cast to determine the winners.
The types of organisations the program has supported has been diverse, including sporting clubs, cancer and disability support groups, heritage rail, hospital art programs, and the scout groups, to name a few.
Our July winner, Illawarra Cancer Carers, provides essential physical resources, as well as emotional and research support for cancer patients in the Illawarra.
“One of our main functions is to provide transport for cancer patients to the Cancer Care Centre and, with the cost of fuel going up, we are extremely grateful to Greater Bank for helping defray this expense,” President Geoff Failes said.
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said groups like Illawarra Cancer Carers play a vital role in the community.
“It’s extraordinary how much money the Illawarra Cancer Carers has raised over the years to contribute specifically to cancer in the Illawarra region."
Greg Creagan, Greater Bank's Illawarra Regional Manager
“We are so pleased to be able to make a contribution to help them, as well as the many other organisation we have supported, who together play an important role in supporting many people across our region.” Greg said.
You can read more about the #Greaterlllawarra Community Funding Program on our website.