P&N Bank’s Helping &nds grants program has donated over half a million dollars to 300 individuals and 200 unique Western Australian community groups since launching seven years ago. The Helping &nds program provides P&N’s customers and staff with an opportunity to nominate individuals or grassroots community groups in need of financial or services assistance, such as Standing Shoulder to Shoulder (SSTS).
SSTS assists women, children and men who have experienced domestic and family violence to set up home again as they start a new life free from abuse, with material items, financial assistance, emotional support and advocacy. Since 2017, the group has helped 265 women, 424 children, and three men to re-establish a home with furniture and household items.
SSTS assist women and children who are living in women’s refuges who have no permanent residency status in Australia and no or limited access to Centrelink or Medicare. They also focus their support on LGBTQIA+ women who have experienced violence, while over 40% of the families supported are Aboriginal and 25% are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
Through P&N’s Helping &nd grant, SSTS will be able to purchase new fridges and washing machines for women and children who have left their home due to family violence.
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder Chair, Kedy Kristal, said P&N’s Helping &nds grant was a tremendous support to the group.
“As a small charity we depend on the generosity of individuals and community groups to assist our work. SSTS will be able to use the grant to purchase new fridges or washing machines for families in need,” Kedy said.
General Manager P&N Bank, Angela Newland, said that across WA there are many deserving community groups and charities who are working tirelessly to support those in need, and sometimes those groups themselves need a Helping &nd too.
“We have a long-standing history of supporting groups that champion inclusion for all, offering a helping hand to those in need in the local WA community,” Ms Newland said.
“On behalf of our members, we are proud to be able to provide support to WA community groups and small not-for-profits, such as Standing Shoulder to Shoulder, to ensure they can continue undertaking the vital work they do within our community.”
Congratulations to all the groups and organisations which were successful in the most recent round of P&N Bank’s Helping &nds community program:
- Bridge Builders
- Cockburn Community Men’s Shed
- Conquer Cystic Fibrosis
- Cooby Cares
- Creative Wellness Project for First Responders
- Darling Range Wildlife Shelter
- Mundaring Firefighters School
- 9 Lives Cat Rescue
P&N Bank members can nominate individuals in need for a Helping &nds grant at any time during the year.