At a time when many businesses are battening down the hatches to ensure long term survival, some are using their business as a force for good. To help with immediate short term relief to those affected by COVID-19, AWA Alliance Bank has significantly increased support to its Philanthropic Partners. 

These additional contributions are on top of their already significant donations to their charitable partners. The CEO of one of these partners, Bill Mithen from the Give Where You Live Foundation was quoted earlier in the year remarking that "now is not the time to walk away from our values and our messages, it's a time to double-down on them". Inspired by this point and aligned in ethos, AWA's increased contributions helps stimulate four charitable organisations who deliver essential support to those who need it most. With the community experiencing donation fatigue from bushfire appeals and now the challenge of COVID, there is a growing concern for the most vulnerable members in our society.

"These funds have gone a long way to provide short term relief, yet we still identify a greater need to support each other to rebuild our communities", says AWA CEO Graeme Scannell. "Our $290,000 contribution to our philanthropic partners reflects AWA's intent to help those in need".

This health crisis represents many significant challenges; however, the financial services industry appears poised to ride the tide. As a social enterprise financial institution, AWA isn't content with its survival, but just as importantly the revival of our communities.

Graeme affirms, "At a certain point, you need to walk the walk. We will look back on this moment in history and measure people and businesses not by their words but rather by their actions. Our message is that even just by banking with us, a social enterprise, you're making a difference."

Imagine the difference we could make if all financial institutions shared this ethos – our communities would be a much better for many of our most vulnerable.