Six Hunter-based groups focussed on supporting at-risk families are among 52 recipients to benefit from the IMB Bank Community Foundation.

Kitchener’s Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies Incorporated, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Lions Club of East Maitland, LIVEfree Project, Survivor’s R Us Incorporated and The Nappy Collective Inc will each receive funding to back their respective initiatives.

Now in its 23^rd year, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has donated more than $11.5 million to 850-plus grassroots projects across NSW, ACT and Victoria.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan said the money in 2022 would allow community organisations to continue their work to deliver essential services for locals.

“There is no doubt that Australians have faced many things in recent years,” he explained.

“Following global unrest and domestic challenges, it is the hard work of community-minded Australians that provides the on-the-ground support.

“It is a privilege to assist people and groups that donate their time, energy and care to help others in need.

“The projects funded this year make a significant difference to the lives of others.

“They facilitate access to affordable groceries, opportunities to learn new skills to improve family life or employment, access to services or equipment to enhance fullness in life, as well as many other life-changing benefits.”

The Hunter beneficiaries (and their projects):

• Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies Incorporated – Supporting families experiencing the tragic loss of a young child to deliver Angel Gowns – donated wedding attire transformed to suit babies up to 18 months

• Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation Incorporated – House cleaning support for breast cancer patients in the Maitland and Upper Hunter

• Lions Club of East Maitland Incorporated – Purchase of a mobile cool room for community fundraising events

• LIVEfree Project Incorporated – Delivering weekly educational and community connection programs with at-risk vulnerable students and their parents or caregivers

• Survivor’s R Us Incorporated – Construction of shelving for the food bank and storage area to meet the needs of expansion of the premises

• The Nappy Collective Inc – Supporting the mobilisation of volunteers and the local community for public nappy drives and redistribution of unused, disposable nappies to families in crisis

Over the past 12 months, cost of living and personal debt was the leading cause of distress for 40% of Australians.

The strain of rising living expenses has resulted in one-in-five people admitting they use their savings to live week-to-week, with food insecurity one of the top concerns.

“Day-to-day pressures are also impacting vulnerable members of our community with those living with disability experiencing worsening household finances (28%),” Mr Ryan said.

“We are supporting 52 diverse grassroots projects that aim to build brighter futures.

“Funding will provide a much-needed boost as they rebuild, recover and plan ahead after several challenging years.

“Demand for the services of charities and community groups has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic.

“While the IMB Bank Community Foundation began in 1999, it is in 2022 that we feel the foundation’s role is more important than ever.”

For more community stories:

• Apply for Your Port, Our Community sponsorship program today
• Life Without Barriers unveils bold new plan, head office in Newcastle
• Jets’ Quiet Room provides big game experience for kids on autism spectrum

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