St George Calamvale Branch Manager, Darren Weekes, first became aware of SU QLD’s chaplaincy program about four years ago.
“I’ve heard so many stories of how the chaplain has intervened and helped children and their families considerably. The work of chaplains is phenomenal to me,” Darren says.
“We see families come in that have gone through incredibly tough situations. One customer’s marriage broke down; he lost his job, his house and his kids. Knowing the chaplain is aware of their situation and is looking out for his kids gives him a bit of peace.”
As well as personally supporting chaplaincy by joining a Local Chaplaincy Committee, Darren also wanted to find a way for his St George branch to give back.
“The Calamvale branch has created a Home Loan Referral Program, where it donates 0.2% of the value of a settled home loan to a local school chaplaincy. So, a $250,000 home loan with St George Bank is $500 to your local chaplain,” Darren says.
The program has been running for three years, financially supporting five chappies in their local areas. The branch has donated thousands of dollars, which has been used for a range of initiatives, including covering chaplains’ salaries, increasing their hours, buying resources and running programs.
Whether refinancing or purchasing, customers just need to mention the referral program or email chaplainreferral@stgeorge.com.au.
Calamvale was voted ‘Branch Most Involved in Community for Queensland’ last year. “As a bank, we are passionate about giving back to the community,” Darren says.
The St George home loan referral program could be an opportunity for your LCC as St George is making the referral program available across the State! Stay tuned for more information.
Please note, due to EQ policy requirements, commission based fundraising such as the St George referral program can only be promoted in the broader community, but not in EQ schools. For more information, please consult the EQ ‘Sponsorship & Fundraising’ policy or speak to the school administration.