ANZ has announced a $100,000 donation to QLife, an LGBTIQ+ support service. This move underscores ANZ's ongoing commitment to the LGBTIQ+ community and its role as the principal partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
In 2020, QLife saw a significant increase in demand for its services. The organization reported a 58% rise in people accessing its telephone and web services. Calls from individuals experiencing "isolation" and "loneliness" rose by 31%.
The pandemic's social impact was particularly tough on LGBTIQ+ Australians in rural and remote areas. Here, QLife noted a 78% year-on-year increase in calls.
Mark Hand, ANZ Group Executive for Australia Retail & Commercial Banking, stated: “We are really pleased to support QLife so they can continue to provide this essential service to our LGBTIQ+ communities. Organisations such as QLife are making a real difference when it comes to bridging the gap between isolation and connection."
He added that Mardi Gras is "a time to unite and celebrate," emphasizing that the LGBTIQ+ community should feel supported regardless of how they choose to participate.
QLife Director of Programs and Development Zed Tintor expressed gratitude for ANZ’s contribution: “We are extremely grateful to ANZ for its very generous donation of $100,000." Tintor noted that these funds will enable an additional 2,250 hours of free telephone and web counseling throughout 2021.
To honor the resilience of the LGBTIQ+ community over the past year, ANZ has produced a short film featuring members from within this group, including ANZ staff. The music video captures various emotions experienced by many in the community.
For more information visit [ANZ's website](https://www.anz.com.au/promo/mardigras2021).