Mentor Support Network (MSN) would not be able to achieve its goals in assisting financially disadvantaged students in the Hunter Region if it was not for a great group of sponsors and donors who ask for little in return.
Each year MSN makes approaches to existing and potential sponsors as we attempt to raise more than $100,000 to offer, conduct and manage our annual Educational Scholarship program and other activities.
Chair of MSN, Julie Rich, says we have some magnificent long-term sponsors such as Beresfield Bowling Club, East Maitland Bowling Club, Hexham Bowling Club, Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, The Mutual Bank and Zeal Futures (formerly Hunter Valley Training Company which this year became our first ‘Platinum Sponsor’).
“The above sponsors have been greatly supportive of our endeavours and we value their input whether it be financial or in-kind,” said Julie
“As an example, Newcastle Harness Racing Club at Broadmeadow allows us use of their meeting rooms and function facilities which saves our financial outlay each year.
“In addition, we have new sponsors each year and in the past 12 months MSN has had the opportunity of welcoming the following clubs and organisations:
- Belmont Branch – Country Women’s Association
- Club City Maitland
- Club Macquarie
- Matana Foundation for Young People
- Newcastle Men’s Shed
- Sisters of Charity Foundation
“It’s been wonderful to work with these groups knowing the benefit goes to many young people of the Hunter Region who are striving to improve their prospects by completing their education.”
Julie said a full list of sponsors will be included in our first newsletter for 2025.
Footnote: Two of our committee members, Julie Rich and Allissa Arnold, just had the pleasure of representing MSN at a Sponsors Morning Tea organised by Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG).
Julie said she and Allissa were delighted to meet representatives of 20 groups in total which this year received grants from NCIG and hear about their respective community projects.
Julie (centre) and Allissa (right) are pictured with NCIG’s Communications and Engagement Lead, Carly Parmenter, who was thanked for her company’s support in continuing to be a sponsor of MSN’s educational scholarship program