Bank returns more than $1 million to help local Black Saturday bushfire victims

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s philanthropic arm, Community Enterprise Foundation™, has donated more than $1 million to Black Saturday bushfire victims in Central Victoria.

The bank’s Executive, Customer and Community, Russell Jenkins, said the initial community response to those affected by the bushfires was outstanding and has played a huge role in the rebuilding and recovery process.

“When we launched the Bushfire Appeal the day after the fires started, we never anticipated the overwhelming response from ordinary Australians who were keen to do whatever they could to help,” he said.

“Since February, the bank has received more than $8.5 million dollars in donations from about 35,000 donors.

“This money has been distributed to communities right across the state including hardest hit areas like Kinglake, Marysville, the Yarra Valley and Gippsland.

“For bushfire affected people living in Central Victoria this money has been used to rebuild infrastructure, initiate health programs and ensure the Country Fire Authority is well-equipped to fight fires.”

More than $1 million has gone towards supporting the following community programs and infrastructure projects;

Bendigo Community Health Services

Counselling and pamper packages
Loddon Mallee Housing Services

Emergency housing for fire victims
Future Employment Opportunities

Bushfire clean-up
Wildlife Rescue Emergency Services

Animal Aid
YMCA

Bendigo Says Thanks concert
Bendigo Uniting Care Outreach

“Our Place”
Country Fire Authority

Sedgwick CFA 2009/10 Fire-Season Preparation Plan
Country Fire Authority

Growing Fire Brigade infrastructure in Maiden Gully
Country Fire Authority

Contribution towards new tanker for Axedale
Conservation Volunteers Australia

Bushfire Environmental Recovery Program (fencing in Redesdale)
Mensheds Australia

Long Gully Multipurpose Facility/Mensheds
New Horizons Welfare Services

Essential infrastructure replacement
Conservation Volunteers Australia

Long Gully Community Garden
Conservation Volunteers Australia

Rehabilitation and Revegetation Project
Bendigo Community Health Services

Bushfire Health and Wellbeing Program for Children
Bendigo Community Health Services

Bushfire Health and Wellbeing Program for Adults
Funds will continue to be distributed in 2010.