A total of 13 projects will share $100,000 in funding from the Shire Community Foundation this year.
The foundation was launched following the merger if the IMB Bank and The Shire… Local Banking last year to specifically fund charities and not-for- profits in Sutherland Shire.
The foundation has committed to funding shire groups a total of $300,000 over the next three years.
Yesterday, Federal Treasurer and Federal Member for Cook, Scott Morrison joined IMB Bank chief executive officer, Robert Ryan and Shire Community Foundation chairman, Darryl Chipperfield to announce the 13 projects to be funded in 2017 under the first year’s allocation of $100,000.
The recipients are varied, reflecting the diversity and community spirit within the Sutherland Shire and include the Sylanvale Foundation, Cancer Patients’ Foundation, Police Citizens Youth Clubs, Men’s Shed and the Sutherland Hospital.
Mr Morrison commended IMB Bank on its commitment to the shire region, thanking the support it has provided to our local community.
“IMB Bank has long been a supporter of community groups and events in the Sutherland Shire like our four Bate Bay surf clubs and the Cook Classic,” Mr Morrison said.
“To now extend their generosity even further with $100,000 in funding through their Community Foundation is a credit to them.
“I hope other institutions might be inspired to do the same. I recognise the assistance that such corporate and philanthropic support for our community groups deliver, which provides great benefits to the wider community.”
He thanked IMB Bank ceo Rob Ryan for the establishment of the Shire Community Foundation and said he looked forward to seeing the outcomes it will deliver.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation has funded 600 projects more than $8.6 million in financial support.
Shire Community Foundation Chair, Darryl Chipperfield, commended the recipients and thanked them for their dedication to the shire community.
“Many of these worthwhile projects would not be able to operate without a small army of volunteers who are willing to give up their time and skills to help others,” Mr Chipperfield said.
The 2017 Shire Community Foundation recipients are:
Endeavour Special Kids with a Disability; Caringbah Craft Activity Centre for the Disabled;
Engadine Rural Fire Brigade equipment upgrade; Sutherland Hospital equipment for the birthing unit; Sutherland Shire Historical Society Inc. software and touch screens; 3Bridges Community Limited to help families with disabilities; Cancer Patients Foundation to provide a free community program dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage appearance-related side effects caused by cancer treatment; SGSCC disAbility to provide a Mates Shed where clients with a disability can learn new woodworking skills; Menai Men’s Shed Inc, to provide funds to extend shed space; Port Hacking Potters Group for a workshop for members to upgrade their pottery and ceramic skills; Sylvanvale to provide an inclusive classroom; Enough is Enough Anti Violence Movement Inc for its Promise Keeper Project for Year 3 to Year 11 which details the different types of domestic violence through stories of survivors, and explains where kids can find help; and PCYC Sutherland for its Work, Sweat, Achieve fitness program for under-16s.