The Farrer School Foundation has won the public vote for Greater Bank’s #GreaterNewEngland funding program for March, enabling them to assist students and families facing financial hardship.
The $3,000 injection will enable the Foundation to offer more scholarships and bursaries to students of the Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, a government boys' academically selective and specialist secondary day and boarding school.
Permanent boarders make up 320 of the 620 students, with many of their families living in drought-stricken areas and places that were severely damaged by bushfires. Financial support for these families is a major and ongoing initiative managed by the Foundation.
Terry Cowan, Treasurer and Secretary of the Farrer School Foundation, is humbled to receive the funding and expresses appreciation on behalf of the students who will benefit from it.
“We have a very unique school set up and a lot of our families at the school have faced significant hardship over the past few years due to drought and bushfires. We strive to help as many students as we can and this funding injection will take us a step closer to achieving this,” said Terry.
“The Foundation has only been operating for a few years so we don’t have a huge reserve of funds but we endeavour to provide scholarships on a needs basis to ensure all of our students are given the chance to be here even when times at home are tough.”
Runners-up, Step Up Gunnedah and Armidale Youth Futures, will each receive a $1000 share. In addition, the Farrer School Foundation will gift $500 of its own winnings as an act of generosity to Step Up Gunnedah after they came in a very close second with the public vote.
Greater Bank’s Regional Sale Manager, Jennifer Smith, was delighted that the #GreaterNewEngland program was again providing a significant impact to a small group.
“For nearly five years now we have seen the wonderful benefits that this program is providing for community groups right across the New England,” Jennifer said.
“The Farrer School Foundation is yet again another deserving group that works so hard to raise funds to support their students and we know this injection of funds will make a huge impact on those who need it most.”
Jennifer Smith, Greater Bank Regional Manager.
The April round of the #GreaterNewEngland program is now open with Tamworth Tech Shed Inc, Tamworth Aboriginal Women's Keeping Place and South Armidale United Football Club each vying for a share in the $5000 funding.