Kidney Health Australia today said interest rate rises will make it harder for charities to raise funds in their fight back against the impact of the global economic downturn.
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia said the economic downturn had hit many charities hard making it difficult for them to maintain their services to the most vulnerable in our community.
"Obviously the Reserve Bank interest rate rise, which will add about $120 a month to the average $300,000 housing loan, will cut the discretionary spending of many families, an area where the charity dollar sits.
"Kidney Health Australia through its call centre Solution K recently organised a free seminar for charities with expert speakers to share information of how charities are coping with the problem and a way forward to maximise opportunities in difficult times.
"In these times we need to work smarter and faster, utilise technology and minimise costs of fundraising itself."
Ms Wilson said the national Kidney Health Australia Call Centre was established some 12 years ago by Kidney Health Australia to help fund its own services, such as targeted screening and prevention programs, information and toll free help lines, patient support, kidney kids programs, in support of tens of thousands of Australians with Kidney Disease.
 "In 2008 Solution K was launched as the commercial arm of the Call Centre designed specifically to provide business solutions to commercial small to medium enterprises and to assist other charities in their fundraising efforts.  
"Solution K offers charities the ability to use Solution K Call Centre services which are set up to deal with charity fundraising as well as commercial projects."
Ms Wilson said that charities and companies wanting to use an onshore call centre to support Australian jobs also have the added comfort of knowing any profits made by Solution K  go straight back into charitable work.  
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Derek Finch, Customer Services Manager, Kidney Health Australia