Greater Bank last week announced the winners of the 2018 Greater Charitable Foundation Employee Volunteer of the Year Award, in recognition of the significant contribution its employees make to the community.
Bernadette Rennie, a Compliance Officer with Greater Bank, has taken out this year’s award for her extensive volunteering efforts. Since 2013, she has given her time to support more than 11 different Greater Charitable Foundation charity partners.
In the past six months alone, she has organised fundraising events for the McGrath Foundation and Harry Meyn Foundation, as well as volunteered with Starlight Children’s Foundation and Tantrum Youth Arts.
Recognised for her contribution at a presentation held at Greater Bank’s Hamilton headquarters, Bernadette was delighted but said the satisfaction she gets from her charitable work makes every bit of her time and effort worth it.
“I am honoured to receive this award. I enjoy giving back and get a real buzz from channeling my energy into projects that benefit those who have had it tough,” Bernadette said.
Bernadette has one of the highest participation levels of any employee in Greater Bank’s corporate volunteering program and also participates in a number of charitable ventures outside of work, including involvement with Camp Quality – Rock on the River, the MaiWel Group and Inside Out, an inclusive group of Maitland-based artists of which her daughter is a participant.
“I do it because I love it and it is a big part of my life. I have a daughter with a disability so I have seen first-hand the effect volunteers can have on people and it gives me immense pleasure to be able to give back in this respect,” Bernadette said.
Greater Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, Anne Long, highlighted the difficult task the selection committee had in choosing one winner from the many worthy nominations, but Bernadette’s commitment to the community couldn’t go unrecognised.
“Bernadette is so highly regarded amongst her colleagues, who describe her as an inspiration and someone who is happy to give her time for the benefit of those in need,” Anne said.
“She is an outstanding example of someone who has gone above and beyond in terms of supporting the community, which is something we are strongly committed to here at Greater Bank.”
More than 200 Greater Bank employees have volunteered over 1000 hours with Greater Charitable Foundation partners during the last 12 months alone.
“Our Greater Charitable Foundation partners rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers and we are lucky to have a network of Greater Bank employees who are ready and willing to give up their time to help fulfil this role and give back to those who need it most,” Anne said.
Also recognised this year was Rutherford Branch Manager, Abbey Keogh for her work with Starlight Children’s Foundation at Maitland Hospital.
Both Abbey and Bernadette will receive $500 each to donate back to a charity of their choice.
According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering time and hours have both increased over the past decade with 43.7 per cent of adult Australians volunteering a total of 932 million hours in 2016.
IMAGE | Greater Charitable Foundation Chairman, Ian Nelmes, with the 2018 Greater Charitable Foundation Employee Volunteer of the Year, Bernadette Rennie.
