The contribution takes the total raised by the appeal to more than $170,000.

Toodyay Community Bank Company chairman Richard Dymond said the response from people across Australia had been heart warming and the Community Bank branch’s gift was made on behalf of the hundreds of local people who supported the branch.

“We have fantastic community spirit in Toodyay and this spirit enabled us to establish and successfully run our Community Bank company,” he said.

“Thanks to this support we have been able to make significant returns, supporting local groups and organisations.

“And now that our community is going through a tough time, we’re happy to help out in any way we can as a way of saying thanks and repaying that initial investment of faith in our branch.”

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s philanthropic arm, Community Enterprise Foundation, has launched the appeal in partnership with the Toodyay Community Bank branch and the Salvation Army to help assist people in the region affected by the bushfire.

Toodyay Community Bank branch manager Grant McLeod is now calling for more support for the fire-stricken community.

“We are only just coming to terms with the impact the fire has had on our town,” he said.

“Many have lost everything and the rebuilding and recovery process will be challenging.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to dig deep and give what you can.”

People can donate by logging onto Bendigo Bank’s website www.bendigobank.com.au or by calling into any Bendigo Bank branch.

Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

THE Toodyay & Districts Community Bank branch has thrown its support behind those in the local community hardest hit by the recent bushfires, donating $20,000 to the Toodyay Bushfire Appeal.

The contribution takes the total raised by the appeal to more than $170,000.