PLANS to build carers accommodation at the South East Regional Hospital (SERH) site took an exciting step forward following an incredible donation from Bega Cheese.
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Community Carers Accommodation South East (CCASE) officially received a $100,000 cheque from the company, the proceeds from their annual charity auction held in March.
CCASE has been allocated land by SERH to build carers and relatives’ accommodation, but it is up to this newly formed group to find the funds to build the facility.
The charity auction is the finale of a corporate event held for Bega Cheese’s customers and suppliers annually.
The guest auctioneer, comedian Jimeoin, through laughter and cajoling helped Bega Cheese achieve this year’s record donation amount.
Bega Cheese board member Max Roberts proudly gave the cheque to Lynne Koerbin and Beth Walters of CCASE.
At the presentation Mr Roberts also announced Bega Cheese would be partnering with CCASE as part of a three-year commitment.
“This fits right in to the mould of what Bega Cheese is trying to achieve as good corporate citizens,” he said.
“We have a strong awareness that our Bega facilities employ 750 people in the local community and that means we have a responsibility to run a strong business and also offer support to that local community.
“It’s also great to see so many service groups working together on a project, that doesn’t always happen and it will no doubt show others how it can be done,” he said.
Mr Roberts was referring to the formation of CCASE, which is comprised of local service groups including the Rotary Clubs of Pambula, Bega and Merimbula, Pambula-Merimbula Lions Club, Eden Lionesses and the CWA.
Ms Koerbin, who is a member of Pambula Rotary as well as being CCASE chairwoman, said more clubs are coming on board as the fundraising momentum builds.
“The cheque and the three-year commitment from Bega Cheese are a huge leg up for the project.
“This commitment has led to many others coming on board, including Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation, and the project is really starting to take shape.”
Ms Koerbin said CCASE recently called for design submissions and building quotes from companies throughout the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Cooma-Monaro.
“Once we have a design and budget in place we can work towards that fundraising target and get grant applications going.
“Having Bega Cheese start the ball rolling with this cheque has made the project viable and a reality,” she said.
For more information about CCASE look for Community Carers Accommodation SE on Facebook.