Forty-four community organisations in Armidale have collected a combined total of $15,027.27 as a bonus from New England Mutual (NEM) member supporters.
The organisations were nominated by NEM members through Community Partnership Accounts and the cheques presented at a ceremony at the Armidale Branch recently.
This year’s result was double the amount allocated last financial year, with the Armidale City Gymnastics Club receiving $2045.79 and the New England Regional Art Museum $1599.72 recording the highest returns through the support of members.
Community Partnership Accounts were introduced in 2009 to give Community Mutual Group members the opportunity to benefit their favoured community organisations.
Through the scheme, members nominate a charity or community organisation they wish to support at their local branch. At the end of the financial year, the nominated organisation receives a figure equivalent to one per cent of members’ average annual balances. This comes at no cost to nominating members.
Armidale Branch Manager Gray Malone told guests at the ceremony that more members and organisations were now aware of the scheme and keen to support it.
“The big attraction is that the community organisations receive a return without having to do any fund raising,” he said.
“The feedback we get is so positive and, as awareness grows and more members participate, so the bonus increases.
“As a community based organisation, we are well aware that our staff and members are involved in and support a number of local activities and this is another way we can join with them to make a contribution.”
