Support for Hunter charities after a difficult 2020
A $20,000 sponsorship initiative from Port of Newcastle in December has delivered a welcome end to 2020 for four significant local not-for-profits.
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A $20,000 sponsorship initiative from Port of Newcastle in December has delivered a welcome end to 2020 for four significant local not-for-profits.
Ronald McDonald House, Beyond Blue, Hunter Wildlife and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) each received $5,000 donations in the lead-up to Christmas. The selected charities were nominated by Port of Newcastle’s staff as part of its relaunched Workplace Giving Program, which focuses on four key areas: Environment, Caring for People, Mental Health and Diversity.
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Corporate Affairs & Strategy Tanya McDonald said that the Port was proud to provide a helping hand to its local community partners.
“The Port had a resilient 2020 despite the ongoing pandemic. However, we are conscious this has not been a universal experience and that we must keep supporting worthy local causes,” Ms McDonald said.
“Port of Newcastle’s Workplace Giving Program is all about supporting our employees’community spirit –these organisations are close to our heart and I hope the Port’s donations will assist them to continue their important work as they head into 2021.”
Ronald McDonald House Newcastle’s Chief Executive Officer, Ross Bingham, said the surprise donation was particularly timely as the impact of the past year had been felt by the charity and the families and children it served.
“Port of Newcastle’s donation will make a big difference for families with a seriously ill child, providing 37 nights ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families so they can be near their child in hospital,” Mr Bingham said.
“Thank you Port of Newcastle for your support and building the hope that we need as we enter 2021.”
The donation for Beyond Blue will go towards meeting increased demand created as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, while Hunter Wildlife will invest its funds towards purchasing specialised food, medical supplies and vet treatment expenses, as well as housing native fauna within their care.
AIME Head of Partnerships Helen Caldwell said Port of Newcastle’s donation would support its IMAGI-NATION (University) program,which aims to create a space for positively influencing marginalised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island youth across Australia.
Supporting AIME aligns with Port of Newcastle’s broader efforts to engage with Indigenous communities and support education pathways for Aboriginal students,which includes the launch of a three-year Indigenous STEM scholarship in partnership with University of Newcastle.To find out more about the causes and organisations supported by Port of Newcastle please click here.
Pictured (top): Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill children, keeping them together and close to the care their child needs.
Pictured (above): The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) provides an innovative mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to support them through high school and into university.
Port of Newcastle
Port of Newcastle is a major Australian trade gateway handling 4,600 ship movements and 171 million tonnes of cargo each year. With its annual trade worth about $25 billion to the New South Wales economy, the Port enables businesses across the state to successfully compete in international markets. With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia. As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible Port that realises its potential.