The Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) was on the receiving end of an unexpected $10,000 grant from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) employee giving program.

To celebrate the employee program’s 100^th birthday, the staff at the CBA Gloucester branch were able to nominate a community organisation for one of the 1000 Centenary Grants distributed.

Being chosen by the branch staff was a lovely gesture that BWNG chief executive officer, Anna Burley felt overwhelmed by.

“It validates the work we have been doing in the community,” Anna said.

The branch staff nominated BWNG in recognition of the much needed services it provides to the Gloucester region, with its inspiring and far reaching impact being a crucial factor in receiving the grant. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to support organisations like Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group in the important work they do for our local community,” branch manager Dearne Batchelor said. 

“It’s especially meaningful that we are able to celebrate 100 years of employee giving, by nominating an organisation to receive a Centenary Grant in our local community.”

The grant is to be used for youth initiatives in Gloucester, an idea nominated by the branch staff and Anna said she intends to sit down with them to brainstorm ideas.

She said staff members are keen to volunteer and she hopes to have a whole community approach to utilising the funds. 

About the program:

The CBA employee giving program has been contributing to the wellbeing of Australian communities since 1917. Now 100 years old, the programs has more than 13,000 current and retired employees contributing donations from their pay.

CBA matches contributions made by employees dollar-for-dollar and all administrative costs are met by the bank, ensuring 100 per cent of funds raised go directly to organisations that support youth wellbeing, access to education including disadvantaged schools, and cancer research and awareness. The program is overseen and managed by CommBank Foundation.