$200,000 worth of help from NRMA Foundation

The NRMA Foundation has provided more than $200,000 worth of grants since its launch in October last year, NRMA Foundation Chairman, Mr Nicholas Whitlam, announced today.
Mr Whitlam said the NRMA Foundation, a joint initiative of the
National Roads and Motorists Association and Insurance Australia
Group (parent company of NRMA Insurance), was established to ensure
NRMA's 82 year tradition of helping those in need continues well
into the future."Since its launch more than 20 grants have been provided to
deserving groups and individuals. Grants have ranged in value from
$1,000 to $50,000," Mr Whitlam said."The charter of the NRMA Foundation is to give in the true sense
of the word and to help achieve a fulfilling lifestyle for those in
need. These grants are true philanthropy and not sponsorship. The
NRMA Foundation has no expectation of commercial gain or even
recognition for the work that it does for the community."Mr Whitlam said the Foundation was created as a direct result of
the demutualisation of NRMA Insurance. The initial funding of one
million dollars emerged from rounding amounts in the listing
process and will be invested to maintain its value over time.Grant recipients of varying amounts include: the First Step
Program for homeless men and women at Sydney's Matthew Talbot
Lodge; Fiona Lodge Beach House at Bateman's Bay; the MS Society to
provide relief for children who care for parents suffering from MS;
Central Coast Kids in Need to help with accommodation costs for
parents with children receiving cancer treatment in Sydney, The
Spastic Centre and the Queensland Society for Crippled
Children."In addition, the NRMA Foundation has also been able to assist a
number of individuals and families in need of help with vehicles
modified to accommodate wheelchairs," Mr Whitlam said.Mr Whitlam also announced the appointment of the Foundation's
new Executive Officer."I am pleased to welcome Mr Glen Kruger to the position of
Executive Officer of the Foundation. Glen brings extensive
experience in fund raising, business administration, and in
charitable and philanthropic work to this position," Mr Whitlam
said."He has held a number of management roles principally in
import/export and has developed a number of multi-million dollar
fund raising campaigns, making him an excellent addition to the
NRMA Foundation."Both NRMA Insurance and the National Roads and Motorists'
Association are committed to the ongoing support of the NRMA
Foundation with $250,000 from NRMA Insurance and $50,000 from the
Association each year.Individuals or groups interested in obtaining more information
on the NRMA Foundation, or to apply for a grant, should write to
the NRMA Foundation Secretary at 388 George Street, Sydney,
2000.