Bathurst branch manager Jennifer Legge, national network manager Carolyn Gleeson and senior branch manager Erika King-Smith will brave a 5am start tomorrow to walk 40 kilometres from Blayney to Bathurst to raise money for the inaugural Reliance Credit Union Community Tertiary Scholarship Fund Charity Walk.

Ms King-Smith said the fund has been set up to enhance the educational opportunities of students studying and working in the Central West.

“To start with, we are aiming at offering two $2000 scholarships and the program is open to all school leavers in the Central West,” she said.

Ms King-Smith said applicants need to be pursuing further study at either TAFE or university to be eligible for the scholarship program.

The idea for the scholarship fund was the brainchild of managers at the Bathurst office. Ms King-Smith said everyone at Reliance recognised the importance of further education in regional centres.

“There is so much involved in study now, not only the fees but all the technology they need to have too,” Ms King-Smith said.

Reliance Credit Union are putting their full support behind this Bathurst-based initiative with CEO Mark Genevieve pledging to match fundraising efforts dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

Ms King-Smith emphasised that credit unions not only looked after finances, but were also there for the community. She said she expected her trio would arrive in Bathurst around 1pm.

Donations can be made at any Reliance branch or direct debit details can be obtained by phoning 13 24 40.