Community spirit helps Wagga rebuild
Announcement posted by Wagga Mutual Credit Union 31 May 2012
Just over two months ago local credit union Wagga Mutual teamed up with Mayor Kerry Pascoe to create the Wagga Mayor’s Flood Appeal, assisting those affected by the devastating floods in early March.
Wagga Mutual’s parent company, Community CPS Australia, kickstarted the appeal with a $50,000 donation, and now the fundraising goal of $200,000 has been reached, even exceeded, thanks to the community’s generous support.
Andrew Toole, Regional Manager at Wagga Mutual, said he was overwhelmed by the local community’s commitment to helping each other.
“We have received donations from our members, staff, residents, local businesses, and countless fundraising activities were organised with all proceeds donated to the appeal. We’ve seen bake sales, quiz nights and concerts, to name a few, and everyone who could got behind it,” said Mr Toole.
“We have now raised more than $227,000, the majority of which has already been distributed by the St Vincent de Paul Society to those who were hardest hit.”
Virginia Anderson of North Wagga, said the community’s support had made a big difference to the life of her family, assisting them to replace the basics and slowly start the rebuilding process.
“We only had a few hours to save our possessions from the 1.8m wall of water, and lost everything in the flood, including the back of our house. Thanks to the generous donations and the help of the St Vincent de Paul Society we bought essential food and cookware items, replaced our bedding and towels, and could buy some new toys and clothes for our five-year-old son,” said Ms Anderson.
“We were also able to buy some tools so we can slowly start repairing the damage and rebuild the back of the house. We still have a long way to go, and every act of support is greatly appreciated.
“I would like to thank the local community for their generous and heartfelt support. We are very grateful to everyone, with your contributions you have helped change the lives of many and give them hope for the future. I would also like to thank Wagga Mutual for coordinating all those wonderful fundraising activities to help us rebuild our lives,” she said.
Mr Toole joined Ms Anderson in thanking the people of Wagga Wagga for showing such compassion to their community.
“In the wake of this disaster our community came together as one to lend a helping hand to those affected, whether they were relatives, mates or complete strangers. It makes me proud to be a member of such a strong community,” he said.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CPS AUSTRALIA GROUP
The Community CPS Australia Group is one of the largest customer owned financial institutions in Australia, with assets under management approaching $4 billion. The credit union employs 585 staff across 48 branches, servicing more than 180,000 members. Community CPS is located in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and operates as Wagga Mutual Credit Union in Wagga Wagga, Companion Credit Union in the Hunter Valley and United Community in Western Australia.
The Group comprises activities in banking, the community (through the Community CPS Foundation) and professional services (wealth management, tax and accounting services via Eastwoods). For more information visit www.communitycps.com.au
Wagga Mutual’s parent company, Community CPS Australia, kickstarted the appeal with a $50,000 donation, and now the fundraising goal of $200,000 has been reached, even exceeded, thanks to the community’s generous support.
Andrew Toole, Regional Manager at Wagga Mutual, said he was overwhelmed by the local community’s commitment to helping each other.
“We have received donations from our members, staff, residents, local businesses, and countless fundraising activities were organised with all proceeds donated to the appeal. We’ve seen bake sales, quiz nights and concerts, to name a few, and everyone who could got behind it,” said Mr Toole.
“We have now raised more than $227,000, the majority of which has already been distributed by the St Vincent de Paul Society to those who were hardest hit.”
Virginia Anderson of North Wagga, said the community’s support had made a big difference to the life of her family, assisting them to replace the basics and slowly start the rebuilding process.
“We only had a few hours to save our possessions from the 1.8m wall of water, and lost everything in the flood, including the back of our house. Thanks to the generous donations and the help of the St Vincent de Paul Society we bought essential food and cookware items, replaced our bedding and towels, and could buy some new toys and clothes for our five-year-old son,” said Ms Anderson.
“We were also able to buy some tools so we can slowly start repairing the damage and rebuild the back of the house. We still have a long way to go, and every act of support is greatly appreciated.
“I would like to thank the local community for their generous and heartfelt support. We are very grateful to everyone, with your contributions you have helped change the lives of many and give them hope for the future. I would also like to thank Wagga Mutual for coordinating all those wonderful fundraising activities to help us rebuild our lives,” she said.
Mr Toole joined Ms Anderson in thanking the people of Wagga Wagga for showing such compassion to their community.
“In the wake of this disaster our community came together as one to lend a helping hand to those affected, whether they were relatives, mates or complete strangers. It makes me proud to be a member of such a strong community,” he said.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CPS AUSTRALIA GROUP
The Community CPS Australia Group is one of the largest customer owned financial institutions in Australia, with assets under management approaching $4 billion. The credit union employs 585 staff across 48 branches, servicing more than 180,000 members. Community CPS is located in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and operates as Wagga Mutual Credit Union in Wagga Wagga, Companion Credit Union in the Hunter Valley and United Community in Western Australia.
The Group comprises activities in banking, the community (through the Community CPS Foundation) and professional services (wealth management, tax and accounting services via Eastwoods). For more information visit www.communitycps.com.au