Following this month’s community vote, PCYC Armidale will receive $3000 from Greater Bank, while runners-up, Riding for the Disabled Armidale and Duval High School Interact Club will each receive $1000 to support their respective programs.

The three charity groups were presented with their cheques by Greater Bank’s Armidale Branch Manager, Wendy Ng on Friday.

Club Manager of PCYC Armidale, Michelle Rottcher, said the funding will help purchase a range of resources that will allow them to get the new program off the ground.

“Active Kidz is an early-intervention program that will provide specific inclusion for children with sensory and attention difficulties,” Ms Rottcher said

“The program aims to stimulate stronger physical confidence, develop gross motor skills, improve instruction following, listening and social inclusion, as well as teaching the children to interact in a group environment. It’s also designed to encourage positive interaction between the child and their parent or carer,”.

“This program will fill a much-needed gap in the service delivery in the region and it would not have been possible without the help of Greater Bank.”

Once established, PCYC Armidale expects to conduct two, 45-minutes sessions per week that would each cater for up to 15 children.

The #GreaterArmidale community funding program has now provided $55,000 to local charity groups and will continue to provide $5,000 per month to other worthy groups, as voted by the general public.

Members of the Armidale community are encouraged to vote each month by going online at greater.com.au/greaterarmidale, or by dropping into the Greater Bank’s Armidale branch.

Voting for the August grant round opens on Monday, July 31, with Armidale City Westside Football Club, Dog Sports New England and Armidale City Public School each vying for the cash grants. Voting closes at 5pm, on Wednesday August 30.

Greater Bank Armidale Baranch Manager, Wendy Ng, said they are still seeking nominations from community groups to be considered for future funding rounds.

“Over the past 11 months, we have supported 33 community through the #GreaterArmidale program and we know that there are many more across the region who would benefit from our financial support,” Ms Ng added.

“If you are involved in, or know of a community organisation or charity, that is doing great things in Armidale, let us know about them.” 

To find out how to nominate a community group, go to greater.com.au/greaterarmidale. Nominations can be made via social media using the hashtag #GreaterArmidale, telling us in 100 words or less how the organisation is helping to improve lives of locals.

Each month, Greater Bank will select three organisations that the community will vote on to receive the grant.