WHEN the Community Bank Mirboo North & District opened their doors in 2010, they never thought they’d reach the significant milestone of returning two million dollars back to the district in less than 15 years.
This is one of the healthiest returns of a Community Bank, and one that the staff and directors are immensely proud off.
Being a Community Bank under a Bendigo Bank franchise means that Community Bank Mirboo North & District is able to strengthen their surrounding communities by returning 80% of profits to the district through grants, scholarships, sponsorships and donations.
The remaining 20% enables a healthy return to local shareholders and they primarily operate as a social enterprise which exists to help the district prosper.
There are 126 community groups that have received funding from the bank over the years, who are proud to have played a part in many facility upgrades, equipment purchases, event sponsorships, scholarships for local youth, and much more.
As the Community Bank continues to prosper, more and more funding will flow back to community projects, with the sky being literally the limit.
The bank will be celebrating reaching of the $2 million milestone and all the groups that have received funding will become part of the $2 million club.
To kick off the $2 million club celebrations the bank is sponsoring the Winterfest Ridgway Lantern Parade and donating prize money of $1000 for the Community Group with the most original lantern for this year’s theme of Forest and Friends.
The $1000 prize is open to any community, school or sporting groups in Mirboo North and District.
The Ridgway Lantern Parade will be held on Saturday August 3, at dusk, with the Community Bank leading the way with their pig lantern from last year, who has had a makeover to become a wombat to fit with this year’s Forest and Friends theme.
To be in the running for this generous prize, go and create a lantern at the free workshops held in the lead up to Winterfest, under the expert guidance of Margie Mackay.
Remaining workshop dates are this Saturday July 27 from 12pm-4pm at the Mirboo North Grainstore. All materials supplied, except lights.
