Donations returned to bushfire victims

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has started to distribute money from its Bushfire Appeal, with $250,000 immediately released to assist those most in need.

The funds will be administered by the bank’s philanthropic arm, Community Enterprise Foundation™, which is working with the bank’s community partners to identify groups and programs in need of immediate support and to distribute the donations.

CEO of the Community Enterprise Foundation™, Callum Wright, said the Foundation had been distributing funds since early this week.

“We want to start helping people now,” he said.

“We have already identified a number of organisations that can put will money to good use and we will continue to talk with groups and communities over the coming days and weeks.

“Thanks to the generosity of people right across Australia we have a lot more to give, with our Bushfire Appeal total currently standing at $3.6 million.

So far donation recipients include;

State-wide

• National Association of Loss and Grief Vic Inc. 
  $10,000 – Counselling services 
  
  
• Vic Relief Food Bank Ltd 
  $10,000 – Food for fire victims and emergency service workers 
  
  
• Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd 
  $13,200 – Shelter boxes that serve as emergency accommodation

Gippsland

• Victoria State Emergency Service Warragul Unit 
  $5,000 – Community building activities

Central Victoria

• Loddon Mallee Housing Services Ltd 
  $10,000 – Provision of emergency housing in the Bendigo area 
  
  
• Bendigo Community Health Services Inc. 
  $10,000 – Care packages and counselling services for people in Eaglehawk and Redesdale 
  
  
• Eaglehawk Rotary 
  $1,000 – Clean up fire affected area 
  
  

Yarra Valley

• Victorian Animal Aid Trust 
  $5,000 – Animal welfare

People wanting to donate can log onto Bendigo Bank’s website, or call into any branch of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. At this stage, phone donations cannot be accepted.

Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank customers affected by the fires are urged to contact their local branch or call 1300 366 666.