Commonwealth Bank will donate $1 million towards bushfire disaster relief efforts including $750,000 worth of grants to help support local communities and replace facilities lost in the fires, as well as a $250,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross.
In addition, the bank has extended its Emergency Assistance Package – that provides support to personal and business customers affected by the bushfires – to all volunteer firefighters. The package includes loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.
CBA’s bushfire relief grants will provide:
- Up to $20,000 available to assist with the replacement and repair of lost or damaged community facilities due to bushfires.
- Community organisations, schools and local fire brigades will be able to register for support through from Friday 10 January, with registrations open until Friday 14 February 2020.
An assessment panel will review the applications in consultation with experts to ensure grants reach community organisations most in need. Commonwealth Bank staff, many of whom live and work in bushfire-impacted communities, can also nominate organisations in need of support.
CBA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Comyn, said: “The current bushfires are amongst the worst in living memory, and have devastated many communities across Australia.
“The scenes of destruction, lives lost, property destroyed, and wildlife killed have been heartbreaking. At the same time, we have seen the true spirit of Australians with acts of bravery, heroism and dedication by our volunteer firefighters.
“Commonwealth Bank stands ready to help all of those Australians – individuals, businesses and communities – who have suffered as a result. I hope that what we have announced today will support them on the path to recovery.”
CBA is also accepting donations for the Australian Red Cross in all Commonwealth Bank branches, and in the CommBank app later this week.
Under our Emergency Assistance Package we encourage affected customers to contact us to discuss a range of support that we might be able to provide. We particularly encourage volunteer firefighters to contact us if they have been financially impacted.
Customers can contact us to discuss their individual circumstances by either phoning 1300 720 814 or visiting their nearest Commonwealth Bank branch. Business customers with a business loan or a line of credit can call 13 26
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