Auswide Bank has gifted an early Christmas present to the Bundaberg Region community in a two-year deal to support the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal valued at $50,000.
The locally-established bank has pledged $25,000 per year in 2024 and 2025 to support the annual appeal that raises funds to provide hampers, gifts and vouchers to Bundaberg Region residents in need during Christmas.
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn said the generous contribution would do a lot of good in the local community.
“Auswide Bank’s support will help hundreds of households across the community to have food and gifts this Christmas,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Times are tough for many so we’re rallying together as a community and providing support to the charities who provide hampers and gift cards to those in need.
“A helping hand at this time of year to provide the treats and festive food can make all the difference but it’s knowing that, as a community, we come together in support of those in need which makes the real impact.
“We are grateful to have Auswide Bank’s ongoing support for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and this certainty over the next two years that we can meet our fundraising targets.”
Auswide Bank Chief Customer Officer Damian Hearne said the organisation was honoured to join the appeal.
“As an organisation with deep roots to the Bundaberg community, we’re honoured to support the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and help bring some joy to families doing it tough this holiday season,” Damian said.
“Christmas should be a time of togetherness and hope, and we’re proud to play a part in making that possible for those who need it most.”
Funds raised through the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal will be distributed to charity partners to dispense to the community.
This year’s charity partners are the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Bundaberg, St Vincent de Paul Childers, Angels Community Group and Citicoast Pantry, in addition to the Council-run Childers and Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centres.
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal on the project page here, download the sponsorship proposal or make a donation.
