Family Life has been announced as a 2020 CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grants recipient.

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the work that Family Life does. The pandemic has resulted in the transition of operations to technology-mediated service delivery, the suspension of all volunteering and the closure of five opportunity shops.

Family Life CEO, Allison Wainwright, said:

“Last financial year, Family Life helped over 11,000 individuals. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, our demand has increased and the closure of all our Op Shops has put our income resources under a great deal of pressure.”

“We are so appreciative to Commonwealth Bank, who has provided this assistance at a time that we need it more than ever.“

After receiving Southland branches nomination, Family Life will utilise the CommBank Community Grant of $10,000 to meet increased demand for those struggling with family violence, isolation and adversity.

Family Life joins more than 170 other recipients across Australia to receive one of 205 grants being awarded by CommBank Staff Foundation. Family Life was nominated to receive a grant by a CBA employee to receive a much-needed financial boost of $10,000.

Now in its 102nd year, the CommBank Staff Foundation has a strong history of supporting youth-focused organisations through the Community Grants Program. The $2 million dollar program is made up of fortnightly contributions by CBA staff, which are matched by the bank.

Paula Fitzgerald, Branch Manager of CommBank Southland, said:

“We’re all so excited that the charity Southland branch nominated has been selected to receive one of the CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grants”.

“It’s fantastic to be able to support Family Life so they can continue their invaluable work in our community”.

Media Contact: For more information please contact Lea Jaensch on 0431 394 379 / ljaensch@familylife.com.au

About: Family Life has been working with vulnerable children, families and communities since 1970. At the core of our organisation is our vision to build capable communities, strong families and thriving children.

We take an all of family, all of community approach to build resiliency and healthy relationships and are committed to improving responses to child vulnerability and family violence by achieving better outcomes for victim-survivors and communities.

Family Life recognises the importance of ensuring that voices of children are heard and their best interests are always served. This is driven by an evidence-based response to the needs of traumatised children and their families.