Medibank Announces Assistance Plan For Bushfire Victims
The devastation caused by the Victorian bushfires this week has affected many Australians. Many employees have expressed desire to assist and want to know what Medibank is doing to help affected people.
Melbourne, VIC (PRWEB) February 27, 2009
The devastation caused by the Victorian bushfires this week has affected many Australians. Many employees have expressed desire to assist and want to know what Medibank is doing to help affected people. Below is a summary of our response:
Waiving of Premiums for Members Affected by the Bushfire
As the largest health insurance (http://www. medibank. com. au/) fund in Victoria, many of those without homes are Medibank members. Medibank has announced earlier today that premiums for these memberships will be waived for the remainder of the 2008-2009 financial year. Our frontline staff have additional instructions to handle member inquiries.
$100,000 Donation to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal
As many of you would be aware, Medibank has also donated $100,000 to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal to further assist those in need. The Salvation Army is very grateful for this donation and also thank the many Medibank staff who have also individually donated to the appeal.
Blood Donations Booked at Telstra Dome Next Week
Medibank Community has organised 60 blood donation appointments through The Australian Red Cross in Victoria scheduled to take place early next week. With this increased number of donations our staff may be able to save up to 180 lives. More blood drives are being organised for Medibank in coming weeks to continue assisting victims and others requiring ongoing treatment.
The Microwave Fundraiser
Medibank Community has joined forces with Wesley Mission (a charitable organisation) to raise $4000 to provide microwaves for families so they may be able to enjoy a 'hot' meal. Our target at Medibank is to raise $4000, this will provide up to 20 microwaves for families. The microwave fundraising drive will take place from today through to close of business Tuesday 17 February. If you would like to contribute a donation please email Medibank Community with your name, donation pledge to this appeal, and whether you will require a receipt.
Volunteering
Volunteering has been scheduled to take place in Melbourne CBD each day next week to fundraise donations from the general public through The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal. Thank you to all the staff who have kindly offered to tin rattle.
Interstate Fundraising
Medibank staff interstate have also contacted Medibank Community to provide aid to the Victoria bushfire victims. Our WA, SA and NT staff will be collecting gold coin donations in their Retail Centres tomorrow and QLD head office staff are currently fundraising to also support the bushfire appeal.
Gift Matching
Medibank will also match $1 for $1 any employee donation as per our policy to any bushfire appeal conducted by a registered charity (see our Gift Matching policy on Molly for details). Medibank Community is currently matching more than $4000 in individual donations and if you would like to donate but are not sure how, donations can be made online via:
Salvation Army Bushfire Relief Appeal: www. salvos. org. au
Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal: www. redcross. org. au
Medibank Community would like to thank everyone for their enormous generosity and support.
About Medibank Private:
Medibank Private is the largest Australian-owned provider of private health insurance (http://www. medibank. com. au/Health-Covers/About-Health-Insurance. aspx) covering more than three million people. Medibank Private offers health insurance (http://www. medibank. com. au/Health-Covers. aspx) to all Australians through retail and corporate products, as well as catering for overseas students and visitors.
Medibank Private has a 'Members Choice' network of contracted health providers consisting of over 449 private hospitals and day surgeries and 4,038 ancillary providers nationally. It has approximately 1,500 staff and 105 retail centres nationally, and a national call centre.
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