Bank of Queensland has taken a unique approach to corporate philanthropy, launching an annual $45,000 initiative to encourage and award employees who assist not-for-profit organisations.

The MD’s Awards for Community Involvement, introduced as part of the Bank’s new community investment strategy, recognise outstanding contributions made by employees in their communities by donating funds to the organisations they work so hard to support.

Sunshine Coast Charity Laurel House received the $20,000 Gold Award in recognition of the work of the Bank’s Caloundra Branch Manager Gina Van Wesel on its Board.  Five other worthy not-for-profit organisations each received a $5,000 Silver Awards.

Managing Director David Liddy said the Awards had been introduced to recognise staff members who did regular work in the community outside of Bank hours.

“There are a number of BOQ employees who are quietly giving their time and money to a range of different causes and I wanted to encourage their involvement,” Mr Liddy said.

“Whilst our Dollar-for-Dollar program supports team and branch fundraising, we didn’t have a way to recognise individual employees who were active in the community.

“This program allows us to identify and reward these staff members, as well as contributing financially to the cause they support,” he said.

Ms Van Wesel won the $20,000 Gold Award for Laurel House, which provides services to women and children who have been sexually abused, for her ongoing significant involvement on its Board.

Five Silver Awards of $5,000 were donated to:

• the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service in recognition of the work of Rockhampton Business Banking Manager Mark Fewtrell
• the Apex Club of Biloela in recognition of the work of Biloela Owner-Manager David Dann
• the Karuna Hospice Services in Brisbane in recognition of the work of Human Resources Officer Kerry Hardy
• the Batting for Battens Foundation in recognition of the work of Coorparoo Customer Service Officer Shirley Bearer
• the Central ASA Junior Rugby League Club in recognition of the work of Townsville Branch Manager Charles Fisher.
  

The Awards were presented at an exclusive dinner hosted by BOQ Managing Director David Liddy. Also present was 4BC Radio personality John Miller who kindly donated his time to help judge the Awards.