HOW WE’VE MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN 2020
2020-12-14 10:55:36.0
This year might have been testing for us all, but it has proved that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. During 2020, our colleagues have been committed to support not only our partners but those who’ve needed it the most, by donating their time for causes close to their hearts.
So, as we prepare to celebrate the festive period we have highlighted some special moments of giving throughout the year that we’re proud of.
Here’s our very own our ‘12 Days of Giving’.
On the first day of giving…
Earlier this year, we announced additional support for UK charities worth more than £500,000 as part of our BNP Paribas UK Aid Plan. This was donated to help disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated people impacted by the coronavirus.
As part of this we donated £40,000 to fund laptops, dongles and WI-FI access for over 100 children across West Midlands-based schools through the charity Teach First, at a time of real uncertainty within the education system.
On the second day of giving …
We partnered with the charity Trussell Trust, which runs the largest network of food banks in the country, to help provide 15,000 meals as emergency food and support to local people as part of the pandemic relief effort.
Many people struggled financially, or physically, to access food during the pandemic, so we’re proud to have made a difference to the lives of vulnerable people in Solihull and Belfast.
On the third day of giving…
We kickstarted the Christmas period with our 2020 Festive Prize Draw. With some luxurious prizes up for grabs, all the funds made from the event will be distributed between charities Solihull Mind and Aware NI to help make sure nobody has to face a mental health problem alone.
On the fourth day of giving…
As part of Talk Money Week, our grads and undergrads held virtual financial education workshops with students at the BMet College.
All undergraduates that join our business have the flexibility to learn and develop within their chosen departments. So being able to share their insights and finance management tips with future candidates is a great way to apply their taught skills.
On the fifth day of giving…
We created opportunities for the next generation of talent by taking 30 young people on our apprenticeship scheme.
This year has proven the importance of providing invaluable opportunities in a bid to tackle the youth unemployment crisis.
On the sixth day of giving…
Some of our fantastic colleagues cycled, ran and grew moustaches to raise funds for Movember UK and Aware NI.
Mental wellbeing will always be a priority within our business, so it’s amazing our colleagues can be a part of raising the awareness of this important cause.
On the seventh day of giving…
Our colleague Dean successfully completed 13.1 miles for the Virtual Great North Run in memory of his father. He raised £1,135 to help fund lifesaving medical research for the British Heart Foundation.
On the eighth day of giving…
In support of Children In Need, colleagues from both our Solihull and Belfast offices, covered themselves in spots to help change young lives. They successfully cycled, ran and walked to raise £30,000 across all BNP Paribas businesses in the UK.
On the ninth day of giving…
Using the power of sport to create positive change, BNP Paribas in the UK helped to raise £20,000 through the ‘Aces from the Heart’ campaign, supporting disadvantaged communities through the StreetGames charity.
Funds raised will benefit local people through the StreetGames ‘Fit and Fed’ project, to help young people and their families gain access to nutritious meals and other essential items.
On the tenth day of giving…
In her spare time, our colleague Joy has been knitting ‘TwiddleMuff’ hand warmers for people with Dementia for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Her knitted gifts will provide sensory stimulation, keeping restless hands busy and soothe those who are anxious or agitated.
On the eleventh day of giving…
We’re committed to making a positive change towards combating climate change. This year we’re pleased to have reduced our environmental impact with energy consumption by 44%!
On the twelfth day of giving…
We have continued to work with our partners, Dallaglio RugbyWorks, to help change the lives of 674 young people.
Throughout the year we have supported teenagers and helped them to gain valuable work experience at the headquarters of businesses like Dixons Carphone and Hogarths Hotel.
With a new year soon upon us, it’s time to look towards another year of making positive contributions to our local communities. We can’t wait to get started in 2021.