Timely Heritage donation helps Emerge continue supporting disadvantaged youths

5 June 2020

A donation from Heritage Bank has come at the right time for Toowoomba youth-focused social enterprise Emerge, which has been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19.

Heritage recently presented a cheque for just over $4,200 to Emerge which offers a drop-in youth hub, accommodation, crisis support, boxing and fitness training and employment in hospitality via their cafe.

The donation was a share of the funds raised by Heritage Bank’s annual calendar, with the proceeds donated to a number of charities around southern Queensland.

Emerge CEO and Founder Jen Shaw was overjoyed with news that Emerge was nominated as the Darling Downs beneficiary.

“We don’t receive a lot of government funding and with the introduction of COVID restrictions we had to temporarily close some of our operations like our café, youth hub and our Box Off the Streets program.

“It’s been tough, but we are so grateful for the timing of this donation to help us pick back up following the disruptions of COVID,” she said.

“We really do rely on support from our community. Having a great organisation like Heritage in our corner means we can now look ahead at reconnecting with our young people through our outreach programs.”

Heritage Bank Area Manager Sharma Haller said it was extremely rewarding to join with the community through funds raised from the Heritage’s calendar to give back to essential community organisations like Emerge.

“Emerge does amazing things for youth and shares the same values as Heritage of being passionate about helping people and serving our community,” Mrs Haller said.

“We’re absolutely delighted to help them continue the important work they do in engaging young people and empowering them to make positive life changes.”

PHOTO (from left): Heritage Bank's Sharma Haller, Emerge CEO Jen Shaw, Tia Blyton (front) and Jessica Milward.