Bendigo Bank sets ambitious target to support Victorian families affected by COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Bendigo Bank has pledged to raise $100,000 in Foodbank Victoria's Feeding Families Appeal with the support of its customers. As the State’s oldest and largest food relief agency, Foodbank Victoria has been supporting vulnerable Victorians for 90 years. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Foodbank was feeding more than 140,000 Victorians every month - including 28,000 children - who needed urgent hunger relief. The pandemic is now placing many more families in a precarious situation.
CEO of Foodbank Victoria Dave McNamara said that every dollar donated to the appeal would be two meals created for struggling Victorian families. "Imagine having to tell the kids you have run out of food? In Victoria, that’s the situation thousands of families are now facing," said Mr McNamara.
"COVID-19 has presented many challenges to people already struggling, but also for those who may not have needed additional support until now. With the pandemic far from over, we’re hoping to alleviate some of those challenges," Mr McNamara said.
"We're thrilled to have the support of Bendigo Bank. Two different banks with one goal in mind - coming together to support our community. With Bendigo's support, we'll be able to provide thousands more meals to those who need them most," said Mr McNamara.
Nick Carter, Head of Local Banking at Bendigo Bank said that COVID-19 had pushed many families to the brink, particularly following what has already been a devastating year of bushfires, drought and floods.
"This is a time when all Victorians need to stand together and support local families who are struggling to put a meal on the table," Mr Carter said.
"In the same way we are supporting customers who are experiencing financial hardship during this time, supporting Foodbank Victoria's Feeding Families Appeal was an additional step to ensure vulnerable families could receive immediate and much needed support," Mr Carter concluded.
The Appeal is conducted by Bendigo Bank's charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation and customers can make donations at any Bendigo Bank branch or online at the bank's Community Enterprise Foundation website at communityenterprisefoundation.com.au. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. The appeal will run throughout August, September, and October 2020.
Foodbank Victoria Feeding Families Appeal is a management account of Community Enterprise Foundation™ ABN 69 694 230 518, The Bendigo Centre, PO Box 480, Bendigo, Vic 3552. The Foundation may make distributions by way of grants to organisations endorsed as an item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
