Media Release

BankSA Foundation has today announced major funding grants worth $108,000 to help four deserving charitable organisations in South Australia continue their outstanding work.

In its latest round of funding grants, BankSA Foundation has given:

• $33,000 to Operation Flinders to help it continue running its world-leading wilderness adventure programs for ‘at risk’ young people in South Australia;
• $30,000 to Foodbank SA’s school breakfast program to help feed local children who would otherwise go without and start their day hungry at school;
• $25,000 to batyr to run 10 batyr@school mental health awareness programs across Adelaide for up to 2,000 young people; and
• $20,000 to Lisa Fahey Foundation’s patient assistance program, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients in South Australia by paying their overdue household bills.

BankSA Chief Executive Nick Reade said the Foundation, which is funded primarily through BankSA staff donations, is thrilled to provide critical financial support to four worthy not-for-profit organisations.

“BankSA Foundation is delighted to support Operation Flinders, Foodbank SA, batyr and Lisa Fahey Foundation, which all provide amazing support and services for people in need,” Mr Reade said.

“For Operation Flinders, funding will go towards much needed equipment and supplies to ensure the organisation can continue to provide its unique camping programs for at-risk youths, who are exposed to physical, emotional and psychological challenges while trekking across the South Australian outback.

“Funding to Foodbank SA will enable it to purchase healthy food supplies to help feed the one in seven Australian children who turn up at school each day without breakfast, while the grant to batyr is in support of its excellent school programs that aim to smash the stigma surrounding mental ill health among young people.

“And for Lisa Fahey Foundation, funding will go to cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their illness. BankSA Foundation feels privileged to partner such a kind-hearted organisation, which ensures that local cancer patients are able to maintain essential household services such as electricity and water while they undergo their treatment.”

BankSA Foundation has developed a proud history of charitable and community support since 1941, when bank staff first agreed to donate part of their wages to send comfort parcels to colleagues serving in the armed forces.

It has since donated more than $8 million to help the state’s smallest charities make a big impact, due primarily to the ongoing generosity of BankSA employees who continue to raise or donate funds for BankSA Foundation grant purposes.

BankSA Foundation invites applications from charities and not-for-profit community groups located in South Australia and Northern Territory, with annual gross revenue of less than $5 million, and receiving less than 60% of their income from recurrent state or federal funding.

Further eligibility criteria and information about applying can be found at banksa.com.au/foundation.

Media contact:                          

Megan Grey                         
0466 320 662                          
greym@banksa.com.au               

BankSA Foundation contact:

Olivia Thomas
0466 427 448
olivia.thomas@banksa.com.au