$20,000 kick starts SA bushfire appeal
Bendigo Bank and its Virginia Community Bank® Branch, Rural Bank and St John SA have joined forces to launch the South Australian Bushfire Renewal Appeal.
The appeal - which has been kick started with a $20,000 donation from Bendigo Bank's Virginia Community Bank® Branch - aims to raise funds to support the immediate needs of fire-affected communities and assist families and businesses to rebuild after losing property and livestock.
Virginia Community Bank® Branch Chairman, Dennis Cook said the branch was keen to do all it could to help local people in the wake of the bushfire.
"This is a community our branch has been very much a part of for 15 years. Our thoughts are with the locals and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect and support them," Mr Cook said. "
Launching this appeal with a $20,000 donation will hopefully encourage all South Australians to dig deep to support this very worthwhile cause."
Bendigo Bank State Manager SA/NT Joe Formichella said the Bank's partnership with St John SA and Virginia Community Bank® Branch will strengthen the assistance for these devastated communities.
"We're committed to supporting their immediate and long-term needs; we know it's going to take time to manage this crisis and restore the place they call home, but we believe that together, we can make a difference," he said.
St John SA CEO, Ray Creen said immediate action will achieve the best possible outcome for communities in need.
"Our volunteers are committed to stand alongside emergency services in preparing for, responding to and helping the people affected recover from the disaster," Mr Creen said.
"We urge the community to make a donation at any Bendigo Bank branch across Australia, and even the smallest donation can make a difference to the lives of these families and their communities."
Donations to the South Australian Bushfire Renewal Appeal can be made at any Bendigo Bank branch or online via the Bank's philanthropic arm, Community Enterprise FoundationTM. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is Australia's fifth largest banking group. It operates Bendigo Bank, including its locally owned and operated Community Bank® branches.
Rural Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and represents 10 percent of the Australian agricultural debt market.
