During National Volunteer Week, Greater Bank announced the winners of the 2019 Greater Charitable Foundation Employee Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising the significant contribution its employees continually make to the community.
Vim Hawtin, Card Services Reconciliation/Assistant DR Officer based at Head Office and Amy Dodd, Raymond Terrace Branch Manager, were named joint winners of this year’s award for their extensive volunteering efforts.
The dedication of both Vim and Amy was recognised as part of the 30th annual National Volunteers Week held from 20 to 26 May; an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.
Over the past two years, Vim has dedicated countless hours of her time to support numerous Greater Charitable Foundation charity partners and also volunteered at various community events for Greater Bank Community Partner, Newcastle Jets.
During the last 12 months alone, she has volunteered at five OzHarvest NEST programs, supporting the delivery of the nutrition education to a range of beneficiaries across the Hunter region.
Nominated by five colleagues, Vim said while she was thrilled to receive the award the satisfaction and feedback she gets from her volunteer work is all that is required by way of recognition.
“I am honoured to receive this award, but in all honesty giving my time to work with people less fortunate or in need of help is something I get a great deal of satisfaction out of,” said Ms Hawtin.
As Branch Manager at Raymond Terrace, Amy is also heavily involved in her community work and enjoys giving back to the people that support Greater Bank. Over the past 15 months alone, Amy has volunteered her time with nine different charities and community partners, including OzHarvest, Tantrum Youth Arts and Camp Quality.
Amy was runner-up for the award in 2016 and has continued to demonstrate her commitment to supporting the community over the past three years.
“I was speechless when I received the news. I do not expect this kind of recognition from the work I do. I simply do it because I love it,” said Ms Dodd.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to live and work amongst such a supportive and caring community. My work in the volunteering space is the least I can do to show my gratitude for this.”
To recognise the commitment Greater Bank employees have to giving back to others, the Greater Charitable Foundation introduced an Employee Volunteer Award in 2015.
Greater Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, Anne Long, highlighted the difficult task the selection committee had this year in choosing the two winners from the many worthy nominations, but Vim and Amy’s community contributions were particularly outstanding.
“Both employees are so highly regarded amongst their colleagues, who describe them both as inspirational and dedicated to giving up their time without expecting anything in return,” Ms Long said.
“Amy and Vim demonstrate an outstanding example that encapsulates the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week, which is making a world of difference. Simply by giving the time and talents they possess as individuals, they are able to make a big difference to the lives of those in need.”
More than 200 Greater Bank employees have volunteered with a Greater Charitable Foundation partner in the last 12 months alone, giving well in excess of 1,000 hours.
“Our partners rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers and we are lucky to have a network of Greater Bank employees who are ready and willing to give up their time to help fulfil this role and give back to those who need it most.” Ms Long said.
Both deserving award winners received $500 each to donate back to a charity of their choice and were recognised for their contributions at special presentations throughout National Volunteer Week.
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