Newcastle Permanent employees recently donated a total of $26,692 from their fortnightly salary to support two local charities, with Lilli’s Wish of Hope and Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Auxiliary each receiving $13,346.

Lilli’s Wish of Hope offers comfort to families after losing a baby or child through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS, infant loss and childhood.

More Hunter families grieving the loss of their children through these circumstances are now able to spend some precious time together through a ‘Getaway’ program thanks to the donation.

Charity Founder Racheal Blaxwell said the funds would provide families with the opportunity for time away to grieve privately.

“This donation will help ease the burden for grieving families by giving them some much needed time away together,” Rachael said.

Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Auxiliary President Elaine Wellard said their funds would help purchase much needed equipment within the hospital.

“The Auxiliary relies on the fundraising efforts of its 33 members, so we are very grateful for the support,” Elaine said.

Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said he was proud employees had chosen such worthwhile causes for their donations.

“Newcastle Permanent employees instigated the program so they could support valuable projects and organisations within the community,” Terry said.

“Several of our staff members have had personal experiences with both charity organisations and we are glad to be able to provide much needed support.”

Since the Staff Deduction Scheme was established in 1997, Newcastle Permanent staff has donated almost $500,000 to 34 charities and community groups across regional NSW.

“We are proud that more than 60 per cent of our staff have chosen to donate a portion of their fortnightly salary to charities,” Terry said.

Newcastle Permanent also provides all staff with special community leave days each year so they can help out in the community doing volunteer work for local charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Image | Ladies of the Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary