Hamilton’s Bernadette Rennie has been named the Greater Charitable Foundation Employee Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to more than 11 different charity partners and foundations.
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The local compliance officer ramped up her efforts in the past six months, working on fundraising efforts for the McGrath Foundation, Harry Meyn Foundation, Tantrum Youth Arts and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ms Rennie was humble when receiving the honours at the Hamilton branch office, and said the best reward she gets is “the satisfaction from the work”.
“It’s worth every bit of my time and effort,” she said. “I am honoured to receive this award out of everyone up for nomination.”
“I enjoy giving back and get a real buzz from channelling my energy into projects that benefit those who have had it tough.”
As well as her involvement in a number of charity organisations while working for the Greater Bank, Ms Rennie also takes her Good Samaritan work out of the office – she’s already involved in Camp Quality, Rock on the River, the MaiWel Group and Inside Out, the last of which is a Maitland-based artists group her daughter is currently involved in.
“I do it because I love it and it is a big part of my life. I have a daughter with a disability so I have seen first-hand the effect volunteers can have on people and it gives me immense pleasure to be able to give back in this respect,” Ms Rennie said.
Also honoured was Rutherford’s branch manager, Abbey Keogh, who worked with the Starlight Children’s Foundation at Maitland Hospital.
Both Ms Rennie and Ms Keogh are set to receive $500, with both women nominating a charity of their choice for the prize donation.
Charitable Foundations executive officer, Anne Long, praised both recipients for their efforts, describing them as “inspirations” for all.
“[They] are outstanding examples of [people] who has gone above and beyond in terms of supporting the community,” Ms Long said.
According to the Greater Bank, more than 200 of their employees have volunteered over 1,000 hours to Charitable Foundation partners in the past twelve months, and they are hoping to increase that number in 2019.