ANZ has announced a donation of $1.5 million to support three charity partners in providing additional aid to some of Australia's most disadvantaged communities. The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), The Smith Family, and the Financial Counselling Foundation will each receive $500,000. These funds are aimed at enhancing education, employment, aged care, and financial counselling programs for those further impacted by COVID-19.
Shayne Elliott, ANZ CEO, stated: "Many Australians who were already doing it tough before COVID-19 will need additional help to get through this crisis. Our charity partners are experts in their respective fields and are best placed to make sure these funds are distributed where they will make the biggest difference."
Conny Lenneberg, Executive Director of BSL, emphasized the increased challenges faced by vulnerable communities: "Many people in our community are already experiencing financial difficulty and will certainly be hit much harder by the unfolding coronavirus crisis. We know that the most disadvantaged often bear the greatest burden, and this support from ANZ will allow us to respond more effectively to the greatest hardships."
Dr Lisa O’Brien, CEO of The Smith Family, highlighted concerns about long-term impacts on children and families: "We want to make sure this crisis does not have a prolonged impact on the thousands of children in our schools and on the families we support. We expect there will be more families pushed into extremely difficult financial situations because of this global pandemic, and that many families will need our support for a long time to come."
George Brouwer, Chair of the Financial Counselling Foundation, noted the essential role of financial counsellors during this period: "Financial Counsellors will continue to play a critical role alongside government, the community and financial institutions like ANZ to support those hit the hardest. We would encourage people facing hardship to seek assistance from financial counsellors by calling the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007."
ANZ is also urging its employees to contribute through its workplace giving program with a promise to double match employee donations.
Customers seeking hardship assistance can visit anz.com.au/covid-19/.