Bankwest and United Way Join Forces                                      

Edmund Rice Camp for Kids and Redkite benefited from this program.

Helping hand to those in need - a community partnership that works.

On 1 July 2010, United Way and Bankwest were proud to announce their partnership to develop a community relations program supporting local communities at grass roots level throughout Australia. As part of the program Edmund Rice Camps for Kids and Redkite are being given $200,000 each.

Staff at Bankwest will be contributing further through workplace giving and corporate match. Many staff will also be given the opportunity to volunteer with these charities and also undertake further fundraising activities to raise additional funds for them.

United Way has a long history of supporting community organisations and strives to provide a common good for those in need and Bankwest shares this vision.

"This is a fantastic partnership for United Way" said Sue Dixon, CEO of United Way WA. "The community relations program with Bankwest is fully integrated throughout its business while having the support network internally to make it happen. It harnesses the collective power of the branches and their staff to make a real difference to those in need," says Sue.

"The fact that the funds raised by corporate donation and staff giving stay in their own community is very motivating, and really helps to get buy in to the program" she said. "We are really looking forward to working together".

"Putting back into the local community where we operate is close to my heart" said Jon Sutton, Managing Director of Bankwest. "We strive to capture the hearts and minds of our staff by providing an engaging and active community involvement opportunity and we are really pleased to partner with United Way to make this happen".

Redkite is an Australia wide charity that provides real support to children, young people and their families through cancer and it has remained their focus for 25 years.

Currently there are approximately 5000 families affected by childhood and adolescent cancer in Australia. Redkite is there with real and practical support for the whole family from the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment and when families return home to the community.

Edmund Rice Camps for Kids is a non-profit community based organisation that serves the needs of kids aged 7-16 and their families. They provide camps and other recreational and developmental activities for kids across Australia who would not otherwise have such opportunities, supporting kids who are 'at risk' or experiencing some form of disadvantage.

Edmund Rice Camps for Kids also supports and encourages the growth and development of young adult volunteers, through empowering them to assist those in need in the community.

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