The Co-operative Bank in the Community
We're passionate about being actively involved in our local communities, all year round. Here's just a selection of the great work our branches have been a part of recently.
- PSIS in the Community:
Tour of Southland - Invercargill branch
For the second year running, PSIS Invercargill has sponsored the under 23 'pink' riders jersey in the annual Tour of Southland cycle race.
The tour, organised by Cycling Southland, is made up of 9 stages throughout the stunning Southland and Central Otago region, and attracts riders and supporters from all over New Zealand, Australia, USA and Europe, giving us great exposure in the local area.
The Invercargill branch staff, all dressed in pink, had a great time during the event, actively promoting PSIS to current and potential customers. Supported by a special one-off term deposit rate, getting involved in the Tour of Southland was hugely successful and we’re looking forward to being involved again in 2012.
- PSIS in the Community:
Horowhenua - Kapiti Rugby Union sponsorship - Levin and Paraparaumu Branches
We got right back to grass roots in 2010, helping out the Horowhenua - Kapiti premier rugby union team in their quest to win the Heartland Rugby Competition.
The 'Mighty Nua' rugby team, as they're affectionately known, draws players from both Levin and Paraparaumu, and has huge community support in both regions. We had a great time working with the team - both branches got on board with in-branch displays and guess the score sweepstakes.
While they didn't win the title in 2010, we're on board again in 2011 and looking forward to working with the team to build on the already successful relationship. Go the Mighty Nua!
- PSIS in the Community:
Christchurch Children's Day - Armagh Street / Riccarton / Papanui branches
We've been one of the primary sponsors of Christchurch Children's Day since 2008. It's a great day out for Christchurch families, run by the Christchurch City Council and linked to the nationwide event.
We love getting involved in Children's day because it's all about celebrating how special and important our children are. There’s lots of fun to be had with bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, boat rides, sports and the ever popular teddy bears picnic. There's a real feel good factor to the day and getting involved gives us a great opportunity to show existing and potential customers that we're all about putting their best interests first.
Sadly, the 2011 event was cancelled following February's tragic earthquake, but we’re looking forward to supporting and celebrating local Christchurch families in 2012.
- 21 December 2009 - Media release:
PSIS initiative in local communities a great success
Over $70,000 was raised through a three-month nationwide initiative run by PSIS, whereby each branch supported a worthy cause in their local area.
PSIS chief executive, Dr Girol Karacaoglu, said the initiative was a huge success.
"The last three months has seen each of our 33 branches go out and engage with really worthy, local causes. There has been a great buzz surrounding this initiative - our people have been out and about fundraising, through likes of BBQs, raffles and quiz nights. Many of these organisations receive little funding, so it's been great to help them out - they’ve been extremely appreciative."
The amount of funds donated from PSIS in each area reflects the business customers did with their local branch. As well as that, many individual branches undertook local fundraising themselves.
"The response from customers has been fantastic, which is superb, as we are really committed to continuing to further develop connections in the local communities where the PSIS branches are located", says Dr Karacaoglu.
"Many of our customers are extremely community-minded and supportive. We've even seen instances where customers have dug into their own pockets just to help out the local cause that their branch had chosen.
"We consider ourselves to be a truly 'local' organisation, meaning our support of local communities continues all year round. That includes the likes of involvement in local clubs and sport teams, local schools and community events. Each branch is unique, situated in a unique community, so we're proud that we can drive these initiatives at a local level."
See below for photos and examples of the organisations that were supported.
PSIS Blenheim fundraising for 'Marlborough Riding for the Disabled' - an organisation that provides horse-riding opportunities to facilitate the training and rehabilitation of disabled persons, whose physical and mental health is likely to benefit from such participation.
PSIS Rotorua and the local 'Community Health Shuttle' - an important local service that takes people in need to a medical appointment if they're not well, or have health or mobility problems that makes driving difficult.
PSIS Levin helped raise funds for 'Nothing but Wheels' - an organisation that runs Friday night skating for the youth of Levin. Much of this is done by volunteers with up to 200-300 people/skaters attending the two Friday night sessions.
PSIS New Plymouth helped raise funds for 'Hearing Dogs for the Deaf' - an organisation that trains 'Hearing Dogs' who provides valuable services to deaf and hearing-impaired people, in much the same way as guide dogs for blind people.
- 1 April 2009 - PSIS in the Community:
Very busy start to 2009
PSIS is a community driven organisation and as such we strive to get involved and support our communities as much as possible.
Branches have been getting involved in their local communities in the best way possible through a number of community initiatives during the first few months of the year and have made a difference.
Our community presence is stronger than ever and we are excited about other options we’ll be getting involved with in the future.
Here’s a handful of examples of what we’ve been up to:
Porirua branch
Porirua branch joined the Habitat for Humanity team in March 2009 to help complete a house for a family in their community. They did all sorts of work on the day and involved their families as well. One staff member even returned the following weekend to complete a fence! The house has since been completed and the family is very happy in their new home.
Porirua branch lending a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity.
Blenheim branch
Blenheim supported the Cancer Society’s Relay-for-Life in March 2009 and decorated their branch in purple. All staff dressed up in purple and had collection buckets placed at all the tellers in support of this great fundraising event!
Blenheim branch supporting the Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life.
Whangarei branch
In February 2009 Whangarei branch supported the launch of Tiaho Trust, a disability resource trust which strongly focuses on representing the issues and views of the disabled community.
Staff attended the launch of a "resource map" identifying public amenities, parking, restaurants etc in their local community. They waited for the evening, handling the food and drinks and cleaning up after the event which was a major success!
Nicki and Teresa from Whangarei branch.
- 11 March 2009 - PSIS in the Community:
PSIS Children’s Day.
Following on from the success of the Christchurch City Council organised event in 2007, PSIS was proud to again be the naming rights sponsor of the Children’s Day.
The PSIS Children’s Day, held on Sunday 1 March at the Groynes in Christchurch, had a fantastic turnout with over 11,000 people attending. It was a fun-filled day with lots of families enjoying the great activities and entertainment.
- 24 December 2008 - PSIS in the Community:
Three PSIS branches help put the heart into Christmas for people in their communities.
PSIS branches in Invercargill, Levin and Whangarei have teamed up with their local branches of the Salvation Army to ensure that people less fortunate in their communities can enjoy Christmas.
Each branch has set up a food/gift donation bin inside the branch, and have been encouraging people to bring in a toy or some non-perishable food item, to donate to their local Salvation Army,
Invercargill branch manager, Jacqui Molloy, says her team are very proud to have been involved in such a worthy cause.
The team at PSIS Whangarei, and their local donation bin.
"It’s a really difficult time for many families in our community at this time of year. We see many families throughout the year who are struggling to make ends meet - throw in the added pressure of paying for Christmas gifts, food and up coming school costs and it can become very difficult."
Levin branch manager, Jon Palmer, agrees.
"It’s definitely a tough time for many. We pride ourselves on supporting our local community, and we couldn’t think of a better way to do it at this time of the year," he said.
- 26 November 2008 - PSIS in the Community:
Porirua branch takes part in the local "Strong Pacific Community" week.
PSIS’s Porirua today showed their true community spirit by being involved the local Pacific Island Family Information Expo, which ran as part of the local "Strong Pacific Community" week.
PSIS Porirua staff ran a face painting stall for the kids, and took the opportunity to meet and greet a number of people from the Pacific community.
Porirua branch supervisor Andy Brown said it was great to be involved in the event.
PSIS Porirua Branch staff, Rachel, Andy and Jerry, at the Pacific Island family Information Expo.
"Many of our customers at Porirua branch come from the Pacific community, so it was a particularly important day for us."
"Our team did a really fantastic job. It was great to see them get right behind this, and we’re looking forward to taking part in future events in our community," he said.
The day included a number of stalls from local businesses and groups.
- 14 August 2008 - Media release:
PSIS Whangarei gets a new branch and new look.
PSIS celebrated the relocation and upgrade of its Whangarei branch at a customer event held on Wednesday July 30.
PSIS chief executive, Girol Karacaoglu said the event, to welcome PSIS Whangarei staff to their new home, was fantastic.
"It was great to meet so many of our loyal customers from the Whangarei region. I'm delighted that we can now improve our service for them through our brand new branch" said Dr Karacaoglu.
Strong growth at the Whangarei branch has made the relocation a necessity.
"The new branch reflects the PSIS approach to customer service. Our style is personal, friendly and informal. We want our branches to make our customers feel welcome," said Dr Karacaoglu.
PSIS opened the doors of its new upgraded and relocated Whangarei branch, located on the corner of Vine and Bank Streets on Monday July, 21.
Whangarei branch manager, Melanie Horn, said "We're thrilled that we've moved into bigger and brighter premises. The new branch is more customer-focussed with dedicated areas for customers to come in and talk in private about their personal finances."
PSIS ceo, Girol Karacaoglu, helps celebrate the opening of the new branch.
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