Aussie Broadband customers hit $200,000 milestone for charity

Customers of telecoms supplier Aussie Broadband have raised $200,000 through the Telco Together Foundation’s Small Change Big Change program, helping more than 19,000 young Australians. Customers are given the option to add a $1 donation to their monthly bill to help young Australians in need.

The telco joined the Small Change Big Change program in July 2019. All raised donations go towards assisting in building resilient young Australians through the work of small, innovative charities ReachOut, Red Dust and Beacon Foundation. Approximately 19,149 young Australians have been given access to a range of education and engagement programs that promote good mental health.

Approximately 555 young Australians who are living in low socio-economic status (SES) areas have been given the opportunity to connect, ask questions and gain insights from industry mentors via an online career awareness program. Approximately 890 young Australians who are living in remote Indigenous communities have been given access to positive role models who deliver an engaging school-based health and wellbeing program that focuses on nutrition, physical activity, aspiration, resilience, identity and cultural strength. Approximately 17,704 young Australians who are living with a mental health challenge have been given access to a wide range of responsive and effective online mental health resources.

Aussie Broadband Managing Director Phillip Britt noted: “Even more important to us is the impact that Small Change Big Change is having on the lives of young people across Australia. Building resilience for young Australians through mental health support, Indigenous support and career mentoring is — let’s be frank — the bit that floats our boat.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what Small Change Big Change can achieve for young Australians next.”

Telco Together Executive Director Renee Bowker added that the program also benefits the broader community. “The organisations we support are charities but they’re Australian businesses too, and these contributions have helped support over 60 staff who can continue to provide for their families and do the incredible work they do,” Renee said.

Telco Together General Manager Warren Sainsbury said the program is making a difference in the lives of young Australians. “We can only do this through the generosity of partners like Aussie Broadband and their amazing customers. “Small Change Big Change is growing, thanks to their support. This growth means that we can reach more young people and look at future opportunities to make an even greater impact,” he said.

“Aussie Broadband along with some other amazing telco companies are really getting behind this program and I can’t wait to provide more support for the future of our country — young Australians.”