Thursday 1 August, 2019.
Staff from our Central Coast branches presented a $16,569 cheque to local charity, Central Coast Kids In Need, thanks our CommunityAssist staff donation scheme and the generosity of their fellow colleagues.
Bateau Bay Branch Manager, Robyn Black, said it was heart-warming to present the cheque to a local charity that has helped many of her Central Coast branch team’s families, including her own nephew.
“It’s so rewarding to present this donation to the Central Coast Kids in Need ladies – I’ve seen first-hand how their support of families through some of the most difficult and heartbreaking moments of their lives, and they show such grace and generosity.
“My nephew was 16 when the ladies first came to the rescue and since then they’ve provided much-needed support throughout Lachlan’s open-heart surgery and two brain tumours. Without the support from this amazing charity, I’m not sure how his parents – my brother and his wife – would have coped,” said Robyn.
CCKIN provides financial assistance to families of seriously ill Central Coast children who need to travel to treatment, helping to pay for travel expenses, high cost prescriptions, formula and specialist equipment, so families can maximise their time caring for and spent with their children.
“Lachlan knows how much this charity has helped his family to support him through his treatment. When I told him we’d be meeting them today he couldn’t wait to come along,” Robyn said.
“It makes me so proud to work for a customer-owned organisation which allows me and my colleagues to give back to a charity that is so close to our hearts.
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Central Coast Kids In Need Secretary, Lorraine Churchill, said her team were incredibly thankful to Newcastle Permanent staff for their generosity.
“Many families living on the Central Coast who care for children with serious illnesses don’t qualify for financial assistance through the Government as they often live within 100km of their treating hospital,” said Lorraine.
“We know that support for these families is just as important as any other, so that’s why we created this charity. This donation will allow us to continue to provide financial assistance for families which can include their accommodation bills, quality of life equipment, high cost prescriptions, specialised formulas and travel expenses.
“These families are dealing with so much already so we’re glad we have the ability to alleviate one other worry from their life.”