Now more than ever, social and economic issues in our communities are an important focus for us. It’s not only an important focus for us as an organisation, but also something that our staff are passionate about. In fact, for the last year a collective effort between staff and Queensland Country of a dollar a fortnight is all it’s taken to raise $18,278 for four local charities through our Workplace Giving Program.
The four charity recipients, as voted by our staff, span across a range of causes and included; Cancer Council Queensland, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Drought Angels and R U OK, who each received $4,569.50.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Newman, affirmed that as a member-owned bank, we’re always looking for ways to support local communities. The opportunity to provide a positive outcome for these community challenges has allowed us to stay true to our values as a member-owned bank.
Our Workplace Giving Program was developed during one of the worst drought periods in Queensland when a lot of requests were received from our team members wanting to support our farmers. It was through the pragmatic attitude of our staff to assist our communities that an initial donation to Buy a Bale through Rural Aid kickstarted the concept for our Workplace Giving Program.
It wasn’t long thereafter that the opportunity for Staff to pay into the Workplace Giving Program each payday was a reality with just $1 a fortnight being deducted from each pay.
CEO Aaron Newman said that with 28 branches and 400 staff throughout the state, the individual contribution by each participating staff member was very affordable, but collectively resulted in a significant donation.
“Given the pandemic crisis we are going through, there is no better time to support those organisations that support our communities.
“With many charities usual fundraising activities cancelled due to COVID restrictions, I am sure there would be challenges finding the funds and resources needed to do the valuable work that they do. I am so pleased we can make meaningful donations at this time.”
Co-Founder and Director of Drought Angels, Tash Johnston, says they were very grateful to be a recipient of Queensland Country Bank’s donation, and encourages other organisations to consider implementing a Workplace Giving Program.
“The money raised will help change the lives of so many of our farming families and remind them they are not alone or forgotten during this ongoing drought,” she says.
“We’re delighted Queensland Country Bank employees are supporting us in this way, and encourage other organisations to consider implementing a Workplace Giving Program if they can.”
To make a donation to the Drought Angels visit here.
If you know a charity or community group that you would like to put forward for our consideration in our Workplace Giving Program, please get in touch with us.