IMB Bank offers a helping hand to bushfire affected communities

$100,000 pledged to bushfire relief 

Comprehensive Disaster Relief Package available for fire-affected customers

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

IMB Bank today announced immediate support for bushfire-ravaged communities on the NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands through a $100,000 contribution from the IMB Bank Community Foundation, pledging $50,000 to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal and $50,000 to community groups on the South Coast of NSW.

This support is in addition to IMB’s comprehensive Disaster Relief Package available for fire-affected customers. IMB is also providing emergency relief grants for those customers most affected.

“IMB Bank has long been a part of the communities in the South Coast and Southern Highlands,” said IMB Bank CEO, Robert Ryan. “The recent bushfires have been catastrophic for these communities. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost so much, and acknowledge the tremendous work of emergency responders. At times like these, it is very important to come together and do what we can to help the recovery process.”

Disaster Relief Package

IMB Bank is urging fire-affected members who are in financial hardship to contact the organisation for further information about the Disaster Relief Package, which can offer customers restructuring of loans and/or suspending payment for a period of time, waiving of transaction and administration fees, and emergency relief grants.

“We encourage our members to visit their local branch or call us on 133 462 to discuss their situation and we will do whatever we can to assist,” Mr Ryan said.

IMB Members can go to imb.com.au/bushfireassistance to:

• Seek more information on how IMB Bank can help them if fire-affected
• Make donations (and be confident that their generosity will go to the intended organisation).

Vinnies Bushfire Appeal

The IMB Bank Community Foundation is donating $50,000 to the Vinnies bushfire appeal. We are encouraging customers and the wider community to dig deep to help others by donating to the various relief appeals, with all IMB branches acting as collection centres for the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal.

“There are many fantastic bushfire appeals and fundraising efforts out there right now,” said Mr Ryan. “Vinnies Bushfire Appeal really resonates with the entire IMB family, as the Appeal is able to guarantee that all donated funds will be channelled directly to the immediate and ongoing recovery of the communities in the NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands regions.”

IMB Bank Community Foundation Grants

Finally, Mr Ryan encouraged all not-for-profit community groups to apply for IMB Bank Community Foundation funding in 2020. “The Foundation supports grassroots and diverse projects that help our communities to thrive, and in 2020 we have $600,000 to allocate to worthwhile causes in NSW and the ACT. $50,000 has been earmarked directly for South Coast/Highland projects. I encourage all not-for-profit groups and charities to apply.”

IMB Bank Community Foundation applications close on February 28, 2020. Community groups should visit imb.com.au/community to apply.