Eight Hunter-based organisations will now implement programs to the benefit of the community, thanks to Nova Alliance Bank.
As long-standing supporters of not-for-profits, the financial institution increased its 2022/23 grant round to the value of $60,000.
And, on this occasion, Got Your Back Sister, Hunter Melanoma Foundation, Newcastle Men’s Shed, Hunter Life Education, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Reach Homeless Services, PCYC Newcastle and Under Construction Choir reaped the spoils.
“We understand the pandemic was a very difficult period for these initiatives,” Nova Alliance Bank CEO David Franklin said.
“For some, post-COVID has been even harder.
“So, for us, this grant program needed to be restructured to factor in and help as many groups as we could.
“We hope that by expanding it, we’ll make a wider difference in the community and really give back to those who give so tirelessly to others.
“It was very humbling to hand out these cheques and the endless amounts of gratitude we received was moving.”
The successful applicants were:
- Got Your Back Sister – Helping address and support those experiencing domestic violence; providing funds for its Feast with Friends Cooking Program
- Hunter Melanoma Foundation – Spreading awareness and helping to defeat melanoma in the Hunter; providing funds in support of their Spot Check Program
- Newcastle Men’s Shed – Advocating for mental and physical health with regular workshop activities and community bonding; providing funds to purchase a forklift that will enable easy loading and unloading of heavy items
- Hunter Life Education – Providing health education programs for children; helping with sponsorship of its Water 4 Life Challenge involving a range of local schools
- Ronald McDonald House Charities – Supporting sick kids and their parents in our local hospital; continuing sponsorship of the Quiet Room and increasing support to the NICU Family Room
- Reach Homeless Services – Supporting the homeless and the less fortunate of our community; providing funds to sponsor their Breakfast Champion Program
- PCYC Newcastle – Providing funds to sponsor the Nations of Origin multifaceted sport, cultural, education and leadership programs and off field uniforms
- Under Construction Choir – Supporting mental health in the community through the power of song; the grant will help with ongoing rent and instrument assistance
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham was truly thankful for the assistance.
“It’s organisations like NOVA Alliance Bank that allow us to continue to serve the families of seriously ill or injured children in our city and from across our region,” he said.
“This grant will help support them with our Family Rooms and NICU, which provides a welcomed respite in hospitals.
“Family rooms are available exclusively for families of children undergoing medical treatments.
“These facilities provide a safe and quiet place for parents and siblings of patients.
“The renewal of the $5,000 sponsorship of the Quiet Room in the J1 Family Room will give parents a place to take a much-needed rest from their child’s hospital bedside.
“At the end of April, 800 people had walked through the doors of our Family Room.
“And, as we continue to build our opening hours following COVID restrictions, that number will continue to grow.
“The $3,000 for the NICU will be used to replace the lounge, so families can sit back and relax in comfort.”
Returning to in-person presentations was also an important part of the grant process for the Nova team.
Mr Franklin and director Rosalie Taggart had, in previous years, presented each cheque to recipients virtually.
“It was the first time in two years we were able to meet face-to-face and congratulate them on the vital work they perform within our local community,” he said.
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