Christmas comes early for local community groups

Seventy South Australian charities will receive a share of more than $300,000 in Beyond Bank’s annual Community Rewards.

The money is made available through a unique savings account that allows people to nominate a community group to receive an annual donation.

“The Community Reward Account works just like a normal every day account but the difference is that once a year, Beyond Bank donates a percentage of the annual average balance to charities chosen by the customer,” said Beyond Bank’s General Manager, Community, Peter Rutter.

“It’s a really innovative way to fundraise that doesn’t cost the customer anything but still gives them that sense of contributing to their local community.

“And in these tough economic times, donations of any amount can make a real difference to the bottom line of not for profit organisations.”

In the13 years since the account’s inception, Beyond Bank has distributed close to $2 million across its national network.

In 2015, the Bank will distribute more than $310,000 to 260 community groups.

Among the local beneficiaries are Camp Quality which will receive a $16,202 windfall and the Guide Dogs which will bank $8,593.

“Right from diagnosis through to treatment and in remission or bereavement, Camp Quality supports the whole family and the payment from Beyond Bank helps us achieve this,” said State Manager, Camp Quality, Heather Keele.

“We currently have 3248 families registered with us and our goal remains to reach all children from 0-13 years.”

The Guide Dogs is also looking forward to investing the funds into its dog training programs.

“We have a fantastic partnership with Beyond Bank and it continues to provide such generous support to people living with disability” said Executive Manager Business Development, Andrew Sabatino.

The bonus payments will be handed out at a ceremony on Monday 29^th September.