Bank Manager George Der Matossian said he had been overwhelmed by the number of deserving charities who had applied for the grant in the past week.

"It has really highlighted to me that there are so many charities in Griffith who need support," Mr Der Matossian said.

Mr Der Matossian said Can Assist had been selected by his team as the recipients of their donation due to their dedication to helping rural families.

"They are a wonderful organisation with a great community base," he said.

"The decision we made was because of what they do and the families that they help who are especially in need of support. These families have to travel to cities to access medical facilities, we are at a disadvantage living here in rural areas.

"They have to pay for transport and accommodation and it's just added financial pressure they don't need at such a time.

Mr Der Matossian called on other banks and sponsors to continue the good work in the community.

"We all have to do our bit to help out," he said.

"This is just the beginning of many events of Westpac giving back to the community as part of it's 200 year celebrations."

The bank put out the call for charities and not-for-profit groups in the Griffith area to apply for the $500 cash grant earlier this month.

Groups were asked to send an email and tell the bank why they thought they should be given the grant.

Mr Der Matossian said the bank wanted to give back to the local community to thank them for the support they had shown over the years.

He said Westpac had been committed to supporting communities since it first opened its doors.

“We realise it won’t change lives, but every little bit counts,” Mr Der Matossian said.

“A lot of the charities here really rely on local events like raffles and sausage sizzles and this is just our way or making a contribution.”

Westpac branches across the state took part in the giveaway as part of a number of events being held in the lead up to the bank marking its 200^th anniversary next year.