Bank backs big challenges to create a better world

Schools across the country will kick off a week-long celebration of sustainability today, as part of Cool Australia's Enviroweek 2014.

Bendigo Bank is sponsoring the annual week of action, which sees thousands of students take a pledge to reduce their impact on our environment, through actions like walking to school or planting a veggie patch.

Executive Bendigo Wealth John Billington said Bendigo Bank was proud to partner with Cool Australia to help empower young people to make big changes for themselves, their community and for our planet

"At Bendigo Bank we are passionate about building sustainable communities and Enviroweek is a great way young people of all ages can help create a safer, better and healthier place for us to live," Mr Billington said.

"Schools use the week to celebrate current projects and start new ones. Family and friends can sponsor the students' challenges to fundraise for school eco-projects and to keep them going throughout the year.

"This is the third year we have supported Enviroweek, and through initiatives like these we hope to create a generation of young Australians, excited about protecting our environment for generations to come."

Cool Australia CEO Jason Kimberley said more than 160,000 students from 1358 schools completed over 490,000 challenges during Enviroweek last year, and he expects more than 250,000 students to participate in 2014.

"Enviroweek shows that all actions add up to big results when we work together," Mr Kimberley said.

"We are simply providing the platform for the next generations of young Australians to take action and invest in the future they want to create."

Enviroweek runs from 24 to 30 August, for more information, visit www.enviroweek.org. Donations can be made at www.shoutforgood.com/events/enviroweek.