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27 August 2008 - Non-profit clubs and societies in the Canterbury region have been reaping the rewards of an innovative SBS banking package that provides the chance to win one of ten $1000 monthly prizes.

The arts, sport, community and cultural development, youth and veterans have all benefited from joining the SBS Stars since it was launched in January and there are still six more monthly draws before SBS Star even celebrates its first birthday.

SBS General Manager Corporate Performance Lana Winders said there was no greater pleasure for SBS staff to be able to call 10 voluntary community groups each month that are involved in all manner of things and let them know the good news that their coffers are about to receive a $1000 injection.

"Our communities are only as strong as the grassroots, non-profit groups and societies that help to make them what they are and here at SBS we believe in our communities and we're proud of our record of support we are able to give them," Mrs Winders said.

It's extremely gratifying and rewarding for us and the groups involved as they are able to benefit from fee-free transactions and high interest rates on savings and investments, alongside the opportunity to earn monthly prizes.

"It is a package put together by the SBS team that takes into consideration the needs of small non-profit organisations."

SBS Christchurch Branch Manager Mark Reid said since SBS Star was launched, nine Canterbury and South Canterbury groups had benefited from $15,000.

"Our region's deserving and hard-working community groups have been able to score a quarter of the total $60,000 gifted back to Star banking member organisations all over New Zealand and it's always fantastic to see and experience their appreciation first-hand.

Recently Mr Reid went the extra mile to help out a running friend, Yvonne Evans, a young wife and mother of three pre-school aged children who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and wants to undergo treatment with non-government funded drug Avastin. Mr Reid took pledges and shaved his head for Mrs Evans running club fundraiser and raised more than $3200. In true 'good karma' fashion however, the very next day the Olympic Harriers and Athletics Club fundraising account for Yvonne was one of the 10 monthly Star prize draw winners, receiving an extra $1000 boost from SBS towards Yvonne's cause.

Olympic Harriers committee member Mark Sullivan said they were very surprised and happy to win in the July draw.

"Our members acknowledge and thank SBS for the support it gives to Canterbury running through its sponsorship of many athletic events in the region, in particular our event the New Balance Tai Tapu 15km Road Race, along with the SBS New Balance Pier 2 Pier and SBS Marathon," Mr Sullivan said.

Mr Reid said there was a synergy between SBS and its sponsorship of the many community events it was involved with such as sport.

"With sport and banking you have to decide what you want to achieve, plan how you are going to attain your goals, then get out and do it. Our community sponsorship of events such as the Pier 2 Pier has the bonus of internationally acclaimed athletes such as Olympic 1500m bronze medalist Nick Wills, Olympic triathlete Kris Gemmell and duathlon champions Debbie Nelson and Mark Bailey supporting us. They all donate their time to share their stories while inspiring the children of our future," Mr Reid said.

"From an SBS perspective, it's about giving back to the community, through sponsorship, participation and education."

Ferrymead Bays Junior Academy League Coach Mick Braithwaite said winning $1000 in the SBS monthly draw win would come in very handy with fundraising for an annual trip to Australia.

"Every September, we send a 15th grade boys' representative team to the Gold Coast to play in the Champions Cup Tournament and the SBS prize draw money will be allocated to the fundraising for the trip," Mr Braithwaite said.

Timaru SBS Branch Manager Glen Clarkson said it was brilliant to see many of the local winners using the funds to benefit junior members of their clubs, such as Eastern Districts Swimming and the City of Timaru Highland Pipe Band.

"Making a phone call to the Star winners is a real buzz, especially when you can share in their excitement. It's a really satisfying and positive experience to be able to give something back to your local community," Mr Clarkson said.

Ferrymead SBS Branch Manager Ian Pollock said the concept of SBS Star was a true reflection of SBS' principles of mutual benefit to contribute to community development and prosperity on behalf of our members.

"As an SBS manager, member and part of the community of Christchurch, it's something I'm very proud of," Mr Pollock said.