COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF $3000 FOR SIDS AND KIDS
Announcement posted by Beyond Bank Australia 15 Oct 2015
14 October 2015
lkj We are thrilled to tell the Hunter community that Beyond Bank Australia has generously donated the $3000 that went missing from funds raised at our Rhapsody in Red fundraising event on the weekend.
SIDS and Kids General Manager, Kate Middleton, said “When we learnt of the missing money bag and our financial loss we were heartbroken. Our team of volunteers work hard leading up to and during our event and they felt responsible. It definitely put a dampener on the evening.”
“So when Beyond Bank called us and informed us they wanted to help and was prepared to generously donate the entire amount stolen, it was certainly well received news.”
Beyond Bank has been part of the Newcastle and Hunter community for more than 50 years, trading as Northern Mine Workers Credit Union and more recently as Companion, before changing their name to Beyond Bank in 2013.
Kate said, “They have been our community partner for 3 years, and in 2013 provided us with a community grant for $25,000 that has helped us employ a full-time coordinator to assist with all our fund-raising activities.”
“Beyond Bank has also been very generous with assistance from their staff, we have had employees from their organisation work with us providing advice on human resources and accounting.”
“We are also part of their Community Reward Program, with our Community Reward Account providing us with additional funds each year. These much needed funds help us to keep providing our valuable service to the Newcastle community.”
Beyond Bank General Manager Distribution, Ray O’Brien said “we were so disappointed to learn that the satchel with the funds raised from the SIDS event had gone missing. We were particular concerned when we saw social media comments that suggested someone may have stolen these funds, as they are important to the vital work SIDS and Kids provide in our community. As soon as we heard about this we wanted to help.”
“When we contacted SIDS and Kids, they explained the loss of $3000 would be the equivalent of eight Hunter families who had already experienced the sorrow of losing a child to SIDS potentially would now not be able to access support and counselling through their service. Upon hearing this we immediately knew we wanted to replace the funds.”
It’s hard to imagine anything more devastating than the loss of a child, therefore we encourage the community to dig deep and help support SIDS and Kids with their work here in the Hunter,” said Mr O’Brien.
Kate added, we also want to acknowledge the amazing outpouring of community support via our social media network. There has been tremendous support over the last 24 hours; we have had many donations including some anonymous contributions since this story broke.
“There is certainly something about our wonderful community here in the Hunter. When things get rough, we roll up our sleeves. SIDS and Kids are truly grateful and we want to say a big thank you to all those wonderful people who have rallied to support us, including Beyond Bank.”