On May 15 our 2018 Community Grants Program was finalised with a presentation evening held at our Lindfield branch.  We are proud to have been able to present nine incredible community organisations with grants totalling $35,670.  This year our selection process was particularly challenging with over 35 worthy groups applying for a community grant.

The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank Branches (TLCBB) have, to date, given away more than $385,000 to various community groups and not-for profit organisations as part of our Community Grants initiative.

Reflecting on the impact that this successful program has made since its inception 10 years ago – we took a closer look at two of this year’s recipients and how they plan to utilise the community grant awarded to them.

MUM FOR MUM NCJWA

The Mum for Mum – National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) was awarded a $5000 grant to assist in the training of volunteers.

Mum for Mum NCJWA is a confidential, non-denominational home-visiting program where trained volunteers, who are mothers themselves visit mentally vulnerable and isolated mothers once a week during the last trimester of their pregnancy, and for the first year of their baby’s life, in order to provide emotional support.

With changes in people’s living circumstances, many new mothers today are not living in close proximity to their families or the support networks that they grew up with. MUM FOR MUM aims to relieve isolation and reduce anxiety and depression, by creating a safe and caring space for mums to delight in their babies and develop secure attachment.

It costs $1400 a year to support each new mum in the Mum for Mum NCJWA program, with the organisation relying on donations and sponsorship to keep the program running. Programs such the Community Grants Program run by Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches play an important role in the success of Mum for Mum NCJWA, and we were thrilled to award a $5000 grant to assist in the training of new volunteers.

“I think it’s very inspiring that Bendigo Bank is so attuned to the local community and that they give so much back through their community grants which has a real impact on families in the community” commented Lyn Brand of Mum for Mum NCJWA.

Referrals to Mum for Mum come from Tresilian, the Family Referral Service, the Northern Centre, Catholicare, Gidget house, as well as from hospital social work teams and local GP’s – although a referral is not necessary.

If you know an expectant mother who could do with some emotional support throughout her 3^rd trimester and into the first year of her child’s life – don’t hesitate to contact the beautiful team at Mum for Mum NCJWA on 9363 0257

Or drop them an email: nadene@mumformum.org.au

ROTARY CLUB OF WAHROONGA

Also focusing on the changing demographic needs of our community is the Rotary Club of Wahroonga, who applied for a TLCBB community grant to help fund an important project at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC.

With many young families moving into high-rise apartments in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai area, there is a growing need for community spaces that support the needs of young families.

Wahroonga Rotary has provided substantial financial support to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC over many years, which has included various fundraisers, annual dinners and donations for the police officers connected to the PCYC who work with troubled youth. So when the Wahroonga Rotary Board approved a commitment of $40,000 late last year for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC, it was all hands on deck to raise funds again.

The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches were pleased to be able to contribute $4,000 to this fantastic initiative. And, along with other contributors including a federal funding grant, and the support of other local Rotary Clubs such as Turramurra, St Ives, Ku-ring-gai, Carlingford, Lindfield, Berowra, West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook the new fit-out of the Youth Hub at the PCYC Hornsby Ku-ring-gai was undertaken and the revamped centre opened on Sunday 27^th May.

“We thank Bendigo Bank for its contribution, and for its wonderful charitable work in the community.” Commented Sue Own – President of the Rotary Club of Wahroonga

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC – A Community Hub

The new PCYC has become a real community hub, especially for young mums with bubs and small children living in the surrounding area. With the District Nurse now operating out of the PCYC and the inclusion of a safe, contained soft play area, cubby house and full-service café – the PCYC has become a place for mums to meet, socialise and engage with others in community.

The Youth Hub within the PCYC is a space where older kids can be supervised and hang out safely. They can play table tennis, do homework, watch videos, and interact with each other.

A range of new equipment has also been purchased for the Junior Gymnastics Centre within the PCYC – which includes quite an extensive list of equipment as the centre caters for children from 18 months of age.

“The PCYC is a not for profit and must fundraise to keep the doors open so that we can continue to serve our community. This would be very difficult without the generosity of businesses such as the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches.” Commented Peter Kirkwood – president Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC.

Conducting programs such as the Community Grants Program gives all of us at The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches insight into the astounding amount of work being driven by community groups within our local area.

These groups rely on donations from members of the public and businesses like ours.

Switch your banking – and help us to help the community.

By making a simple switch in your banking to Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches, you enable us to continue our mission of giving back to the local community.

If you do one thing to help the community this week – encourage your family and friends to bank with Bendigo and help your local community to continue the great work.