The opportunity to raise and distribute funds directly to the communities in which it operates, and a desire to improve the lives of everyday Western Australians, has prompted leading credit union United Community to establish a locally focused charitable foundation.

Launched in Perth on Friday 26 June, the West Australian fund of the Community CPS Foundation will provide clear means to positively impact the local community.

At the launch event, the Women and Infant Research Foundation was announced as the inaugural recipient of the West Australian fund of the Community CPS Foundation.

The grant of $25,000 will help fund a High Frequency Jet Ventilator for the Neonatal Unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

The Jet Ventilator assists extremely premature babies breathe with less risk of lung damage than current ventilation methods. Currently The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne is the only place in Australia that has the capability for this type of ventilation.

"United Community has long been a passionate supporter of, and contributor to, initiatives that make a real and tangible difference to everyday Western Australians," said United Community State Manager, David Hurford.

"Our Foundation provides United Community with the opportunity to raise and distribute funds directly into our local community where we live and work," said Mr Hurford.

The Community CPS Group will allocate a percentage of its net profit after tax to the Foundation, with further fundraising to be achieved through the commitment of the business and wider communities. Groups eligible for funding will include those associated with education, economic development, health and safety, financial literacy, environmental conservation and sustainability.

Director of the Women and Infants Research Foundation, Professor John Newnham, accepted the cheque from Heather Webster, Chair of the Foundation Board.

"On behalf of all the parents of the smallest and very premature babies, I extend my sincere thanks to United Community for this grant which will contribute towards the purchase of a Jet Ventilator," said Professor Newnham.