EastLink gives $100,000 to EACH

To assist local people experiencing disadvantage during these difficult times, EastLink has donated $100,000 to EACH for Eastern Financial Counselling Services.

This brings EastLink’s total for donations during 2021 to $300,000.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the Victorian economy, increasing unemployment and underemployment, and many businesses have closed.

EastLink corporate affairs manager Doug Spencer-Roy said, “EastLink recognises that some local people living in the EastLink corridor have been directly affected and are experiencing financial hardship, mental health issues and family violence.”

Doug Spencer-Roy said, “To assist local people experiencing disadvantage during these difficult times, EastLink has given a $100,000 donation to EACH for Eastern Financial Counselling Services.”

EACH is an independent not-for-profit provider of health, disability, counselling and mental health services across Australia.

As part of this, EACH provides Eastern Financial Counselling Services, which is a free, confidential and non-judgemental financial counselling service to people experiencing financial hardship and living in the Eastern region of Melbourne.

EACH welcomes EastLink’s initiative to provide financial assistance to community service providers to support vulnerable people during these difficult times.

EACH CEO Peter Ruzyla said, “We're delighted to receive this donation which will boost Financial Counselling Services for community members who need it most following the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We can support people experiencing financial hardship to take control of their financial situation. Support includes managing debt collectors, mortgages, loans, leases, Centrelink debts, utility bills, fines and more.”

For more information on Eastern Financial Counselling Services, please call EACH on 1300 003 224 or visit their website.

EastLink has now donated a total of $300,000 to community service providers during 2021:

• January 2021: $100,000 donation to Peninsula Community Legal Centre (more details)
• February 2021: $100,000 donation to Eastern Community Legal Centre (more details)
• March 2021: $100,000 donation to EACH for Eastern Financial Counselling Services

“As a leader in transport sustainability, EastLink is privileged to be able to deliver this significant program of donations to these essential services in our local community,” concluded Doug Spencer-Roy.

Peter Ruzyla (EACH) and Doug Spencer-Roy (EastLink) with an award to mark the $100,000 donation (photos Nicole Cleary):

About EACH

EACH provides an integrated range of health, disability, counselling and mental health services across Australia.

As part of this, EACH provides Eastern Financial Counselling Services, which is a free, confidential and non-judgemental financial counselling service to people experiencing financial hardship and living in the Eastern region of Melbourne.

Originally established as Maroondah Social Health Centre in 1974, the organisation was founded on the principle that all people are entitled to good health regardless of socio-economic factors.

EACH has evolved over the last 47 years to become a responsive, community based organisation with locations along the eastern seaboard.