Pepper scores NBL partnership renewal

The arrangement, which will run during the NBL’s 2021-22 season, which is scheduled to commence later this month, will mark the second season in a row that Pepper has served as the principal partner for the Wollongong-based side. 

Pepper’s first experience as the Illawarra Hawks’ principal partner came earlier this year with the lender announcing the deal in January. 

In celebration of this continued relationship, Pepper has confirmed it will be providing $1,000 grants, on behalf of both itself and the Illawarra Hawks, to a select group of community partners. 

Included so far is the non-profit communities from culturally and linguistically-focused (CALD) charity Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra; the Clontarf Foundation’s Indigenous men-focused Vincentia Academy; and the Disability Trust partners. 

These three community partners will also be profiled in Pepper’s “Real Life Stories” series. 

Southern Youth and Family Services, Greenacres Employment Services and Healthy Cities Illawarra have also been said to be involved in the initiative.

Pepper has stated that Illawarra Hawks’ player and community engagement officer Tim Coenraad will be leading the initiative. 

Speaking of the continued partnership with Pepper, and the lender’s involvement in the Illawarra community, Illawarra Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi said: “To have Australia’s best non-bank lender Pepper Money recommit as our principal partner is a testament to our club and our community. 

“Pepper Money have been on the journey with us reclaiming the club’s success and giving back to the community in meaningful ways that our fans can be proud of.

“We look to go one step further this season and know Pepper Money will be with us all the way.” 

Pepper chief executive Mario Rehayem said that, as the principal sponsor of the Illawarra Hawks, something that Pepper is proudest about is being able to “help the local Illawarra community interact with the club that they love”.

“Together, and throughout our partnership, we continue to make it our mission to help create real-life differences that will positively impact the underserved in the Illawarra community. Our aim is to action our support with increased community engagement along with the development of programs that change people’s lives for the better,” Mr Rehayem said.

“As part of this commitment, each of the selected Community Partners will receive [a] $1,000 grant on behalf of Pepper Money and the Hawks as assistance to continue their meaningful work with the underserved.” 

Mr Rehayem later stated that the lender has intentions to establish further community initiatives in the Illawarra region. 

“Pepper Money was built on the idea that there should be loan solutions available to help people through the highs, the lows, and unexpected events that real life throws at them,” Mr Rehayem said.

“This partnership allows us to demonstrate our continued focus in the Illawarra community and keeping our values aligned whilst increasing awareness of our brand across Australia and New Zealand.”

Pepper’s continued partnership with the Illawarra Hawks, as well as its community involvement, comes after last month’s announcement of the lender establishing a community funding initiative worth $30,000 with the Australian Football League’s (AFL) St Kilda Saints. 

The non-bank lender has been the principal partner of the AFL club since 2015. 

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