Heritage Bank hands out more than $69,000 in grants to Queensland community organisations

22 February 2019

Ten Queensland community organisations have this week shared in just over $69,000 in grants thanks to funds raised at Heritage Bank’s 21st annual Charity Golf Day last December.

For the past 21 years, funds raised from the event have been distributed via grants to different community and charity organisations right around southern Queensland. 

Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock said the incredible success of the Heritage Charity Golf Day had now pushed total donations to worthy community organisations past $800,000.

“Supporting our people and communities is the core of Heritage,” Mr Lock said “It’s something that we are very passionate about and that translates through to the Golf Day. 

“The funds raised go towards helping a huge number of local organisations continue doing their fantastic work in the community. Through the Golf Day, we’re delighted to bring the business community together for a great cause and for the benefit of all.”

This year’s beneficiaries are: 

• Blush Cancer Care Inc, Toowoomba – Funds will be used to continue the supply of Care Packages to patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer. 
• Compass Institute, Palmwoods – Compass Institute provides assistance to young adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.  Funds will be used for the creation of an innovative beekeeping program for the trainees at the Compass Farm in Palmwoods.
• Flexi School, Toowoomba – Funds will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the school which provides formal schooling and informal support for disadvantage and vulnerable young people in Toowoomba.
• Highfields North Eastern Downs Lions Club, Toowoomba Region - Funds will be used to run a ‘Children of Courage’ award program in the area. 
• Rosies Friends on the Street, Gold Coast – Funds will be used to improve the storage and kitchen amenities in the Gold Coast South Branch establishment to help support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 
• Share the Dignity – Installation of a Dignity vending machine that distributes free ‘Dignity Pack’ of sanitary products in the hope of making a difference to the lives of Australian women and girls experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
• Sunrise Way, Toowoomba – Sunrise Way is an addictions service provider and funds will be used for the development and writing of a ‘Nutrition for Recovery program’ and the purchase of additional catering equipment.
• The Shack Community Centre, Nambour – Funds will be used to create a new entrance ensuring better access for those with disabilities and providing a safer environment for volunteers and clients.
• The Sycamore School, Redlands – The school endeavours to improve the lives of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing holistic educational options and supporting their families, care networks and community.  The funds will be used to purchase a bank of special readers to meet the needs of their students.
• Toowoomba PCYC – Funds provided in recognition of their long-term support of the event including providing volunteers each year.