Declaring ‘We will stand by you and help you to once again stand on your own,’ Commonwealth Bank donated $25,000 to the Bahamas Red Cross this week to aid those impacted by Hurricane Irma.

Executives of the all Bahamian-owned and operated bank presented the cheque at Red Cross headquarters while announcing other measures to assist in the wake of the powerful storm that lashed the southern islands of The Bahamas exactly one month earlier.

“Just one year ago, it was Hurricane Matthew that brought devastation to some of our beautiful islands. This year, with many residents and businesses not fully recovered from previous hurricanes, Hurricane Irma took aim,” said Jacqueline Farrington, Vice President, Internal Audit and Credit Inspection.

“For those impacted by Hurricane Irma Commonwealth Bank wants you to know that we will do all we can to stand by you and help you to once again stand on your own.”

In presenting the cheque, Mrs. Farrington said lending support to organisations engaged in providing assistance was one of the ways the bank could help those in places like Ragged Island get back on their feet after winds from one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in history left almost no building unscathed.

It did not matter, she said, that the bank did not have a physical presence on that island, where help was needed, Commonwealth Bank wanted to assist and believed the Red Cross would use the funds wisely.

“Today we are pleased to present the Bahamas Red Cross with a cheque for $25,000 dollars,” she said.

“We know the funds will be used wisely for emergency medical supplies, food, water, and other essentials items for those residing in areas hardest hit, and where living conditions remain very challenging.”

Bahamas Red Cross Executive Director Caroline Turnquest expressed gratitude.

“The Bahamas Red Cross is very grateful to Commonwealth Bank for once again making a generous donation,” Mrs. Turnquest said.

“The Bahamas Red Cross has always been able to count on Commonwealth Bank which steps up to support us as we try to assist those who have been impacted by natural disasters. They are truly the Bahamian bank supporting Bahamian needs.”

While Mrs. Turnquest said some of the highest outstanding costs involved getting supplies to affected islands and moving and finding housing for displaced people, there is still a great need for water, food, baby supplies, medicine and blankets.

Tents and temporary facilities are costly but the call for clothing has been suspended, thanks to public donations. The bank unveiled additional measures to assist.

“If you have been impacted and you have heard our messages, please call or come in and see one of our representatives,” Mrs. Farrington said.

“If you need to extend a loan repayment, to borrow funds for repairs for your home, school, church or small business, please contact us, we our here to work with you.

We have also put out collection boxes in our branches and we maintain an account for the Bahamas Red Cross. If you would like to donate, please visit one of our branch locations.”

The bank operates 12 branches in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, its newest. According to its most recent filing, it has $1.6 billion in assets, more than 6,000 shareholders and employs over 500 persons in full-time positions.

Commonwealth Bank donation – Commonwealth Bank, the highly successful all Bahamian-owned and operated bank, donated $25,000 to the Bahamas Red Cross to assist with Hurricanne Irma relief efforts. Pictured at the recent presentation at Red Cross headquarters in Nassau, l-r. Bahamas Red Cross Executive Director Caroline Turnquest, Commonwealth Bank Vice President and Chief Information Officer Charles J. Knowles and Commonwealth Bank Vice President Internal Audit and Credit Inspection Jacqueline Farrington.