Zahra Foundation Australia 'Women on the Run'

Credit Union SA was proud to partner with The Zahra Foundation as a major sponsor for the charity’s Women on the Run event for the ninth year in a row, raising money and awareness for those impacted by family and domestic violence, and supporting South Australian women to become financially independent and economically empowered.

At least one woman is murdered every week in Australia by her partner or former partner. The Zahra Foundation was established by the children of Zahra Abrahimzadeh, after she was killed by her estranged husband at the Adelaide Convention Centre in 2010.

On Sunday, 17 March, more than 400 people made the 4km round trip from Grange to Henley Beach at the charity’s annual Women on the Run event, in solidarity of women to help break the cycle of family and domestic violence. Credit Union SA supported the important fundraising event for its ninth year and has donated over $100,000 toward the running of the event throughout this time, including event assets such as marquees and event flags, as well as providing staff volunteers to help run the event.

Credit Union SA CEO Todd Roberts was very proud to come on board as the event’s major sponsor once again to help raise vital funds to help women in South Australia break the cycle of abuse and avoid homelessness and poverty.

“Through our ongoing partnership with The Zahra Foundation and the experiences of our members, we recognise the impact that financial abuse can have on people experiencing domestic and family violence. That’s why we at Credit Union SA are committed to working with The Zahra Foundation to give more access to South Australian women to their life-changing programs.”

The Zahra Foundation CEO Kelly-Ann Tansley is grateful for Credit Union SA’s ongoing support. 

“Financial insecurity is a significant driver for women returning to violent relationships – primarily to avoid homelessness and poverty for themselves and their children. On average, it takes 7 attempts to leave, but if we can wrap support around women with a focus on their own future, especially their financial security, then we know we can break this cycle, giving women and children the safety they deserve.” 

This year, The Zahra Foundation raised over $33,000 at the Women on the Run event, which will be used to fund a Specialised Financial Counsellor for one year and provide over 400 counselling appointments to women recovering from domestic and family abuse.

Over the years of supporting the charity, Credit Union SA has also assisted their ‘Pathways to Empowerment’ program, which helps those who have been abused rebuild their lives after fleeing their homes. Credit Union SA staff have donated over 400 handbags in the last four years to the program’s graduates, which have been filled with special gifts including personal items, makeup, and perfume.

Staff have also volunteered with Christmas gift wrapping at Myer during the festive season, with all proceeds donated to the Pathways program, further demonstrating Credit Union SA’s strong connection and commitment to supporting The Zahra Foundation and to serving the South Australian community.

The Credit Union is also financing the production of Zahra Foundation’s Financial Abuse video assets, which will help women recognise that they may be experiencing domestic and family violence and where they can go for help.

About Credit Union SA

Founded more than 60 years ago by people who wanted to help South Australians thrive, it was all about creating a fairer, smarter, and more human alternative to traditional banks. A credit union that was run by its members, for its members.

Today, that same purpose remains. They continue helping South Australians thrive by delivering award-winning banking experiences and innovative products. Putting members and their communities at the centre of everything they do.

Media contact

For more information contact Joann Skene, Senior Manager Brand & Business Development, jskene@creditunionsa.com.au