Every dollar of the CommBank Christmas Drought Appeal will directly support Rural Aid and Australian Red Cross and the vital work they are doing to support Aussie farmers and communities impacted by drought and other disasters.
From the beginning of December until Christmas Day, CBA will be accepting donations through the CommBank app allowing customers to make donations anywhere, anytime. In addition, all CBA branches will be accepting donations across the country. Last year, CBA and its customers together raised close to $8 million for those impacted by the drought and this year we want to raise even more.
CBA will also invest an additional $500,000 to support the recruitment of a team of retired banking staff to support the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Services, that help farmers get the support they need.
Grant Cairns, Executive General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking at Commonwealth Bank, said: “Our new program to fund former bank officers to help with rural financial counselling will help farmers, businesses and communities get access to free financial counselling - support that is much need during this challenging time.”
CBA has also launched an online ‘Drought Support Hub’, that brings together all of the bank’s support packages and resources under one portal, and directs customers to the many benefits and support packages available from government and external services. We have already contacted more than 250,000 customers in drought affected areas by sending messages through the CommBank app, and Netbank, and via phone calls, emails, and in branch to help people find and use the Hub..
To find out more about the CommBank Christmas Drought Appeal and to donate, go to: http://www.commbank.com.au/drought.