Pictured above, from left: Hayley Cochrane (Business Development Manager, Milford), Joanna Scanlan (Manager, Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House) and Suzannah Gilardi (Financial Planner and Lending Adviser, South East Financial Group).
A personal connection made Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House (MENH) in Victoria an easy choice for Suzannah Gilardi, when it came to considering charities that could benefit from support through the Milford Community Connection Program.
“I joined the Governance Board of the Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House in late 2023,” says Suzannah, a Financial Planner and Lending Adviser with South East Financial Group. “I was thrilled to step into this role, seeing it as a chance to give back to my community, support others, and build a new home and sense of belonging for my family after our recent move.”
Suzannah says she is “in awe of the people who work there and the amazing services the neighbourhood house offers to the local community and surrounding suburbs”. “For example, food pantry, community classes, computer access, upskilling and return to work training, community lunches, generally just creating a safe space offering community connectivity.
The grant will fund a website update, boosting the reach, and connecting with more community members. This upgrade will enhance awareness of the services and space available.
Suzannah says the team at MENH were thrilled and grateful to have been awarded the grant. “The MENH is primarily run via grants, dedicated staff and amazing volunteer support. Grant money is invaluable for continued running and operation. This generous community connection program is a fantastic way to bridge finance professionals with all levels of the community, like youth, education, and the environment. Milford’s contributions have significantly enhanced the lives of many through this initiative.”
