Seven organisations making a positive social change throughout the Hunter have benefitted from NOVA Alliance Bank’s latest round of funding.

With community and customers at the bedrock of its mission, NOVA recently donated a total of $40,000 to Ronald McDonald House (Newcastle), Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA), Soul Café, Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF), ConnectABILITY and Got Your Back Sista.

Since its establishment in 1964, the local credit union has proudly supported a range of charities with its grant program.

However, in recent years, seeing the affect COVID-19’s had on society, NOVA upped the ante to include groups who are promoting life-affirming messages within the community.

CEO David Franklin said the board, with the support of staff and members, agreed providing personalised grants to local programs was an important but vital change to this year’s structure.

“With the devastation of COVID-19, we re-evaluated our program to determine how we could make a difference that counted,” he explained.

“Instead of providing a fixed grant to all recipients, we took the time to evaluate each initiative, the resources required, and the funds that would see the best possible social outcomes.

“We’re hopeful these personalised grants will not only help community groups and charities to drive positive social change in the community, but to inspire others to do the same.”

Got Your Back Sista founder and CEO Melissa Histon expressed deep gratitude towards NOVA Alliance Bank for backing their grassroots cooking program, Feast with Friends.

“COVID-19 has been an even more isolating time for the domestic violence victims in our community,” she said.

“We are so grateful to those who help us support people in these unfortunate circumstances.

“This grant will go directly towards the initiative, which offers victims of domestic violence who are living at or below the poverty line a chance to cook nutritious food on a budget.

“With this money, we’ll be able to buy a new commercial oven and provide an opportunity to put food on the table.

“Most importantly, we will be able to also reinstate independence and confidence to those in the community wo need it most.”

NOVA Alliance Bank grant recipients

Ronald McDonald House (Newcastle) –

• Received funding to support sick kids and their families as they try to wind down and relax during their stay. The Quiet Room, located at the John Hunter Hospital, offers a place for children and their families to take a break from treatment and enjoy someone-on-one time.

Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation –

• Received funding to support breast cancer patients and survivors with their wellness program.

Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA)/ProCare –

• For the continuing support in spreading awareness for prostate cancer patients with their free counselling services.

Soul Café –

• Funding for an upgrade to its computer systems, which will help empower their volunteers and team at large to provide further support to vulnerable people in the community.

Hunter Melanoma (HMF) –

• Received funding to support their Spot Check Program, dedicated to providing free skin checks and supplying sunscreen samples in the community to ensure the early detection and prevention of skin cancer.

ConnectABILITY –

• Received funding to help provide ongoing transport support and required resources for aged and disabled people in the community.

Got Your Back Sista –

• The grant will go towards the running of their grassroots cooking program, Feast with Friends.

In addition to its grants program, NOVA hosts an annual ‘Do Good Awards’, which is dedicated to standing together against tragedy, and rewarding those in the community who present bravery and generosity against all adversity.

There are plans to bring this back in 2022, too.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.