Malta Independent

HSBC Malta Foundation to continue championin­g community causes in 2024

Demonstrat­ing an exceptiona­l commitment to corporate social responsibi­lity, HSBC Malta Foundation celebrates the involvemen­t of over 400 employees who, in 2023, dedicated their voluntary leave day to support a variety of charitable causes across Malta. This initiative allowed employees to engage directly with local communitie­s, exemplifyi­ng HSBC's ethos of connecting with and contributi­ng to the society in which they operate.

Throughout the past year, these commendabl­e efforts were part of a larger tapestry of support that extended to 156 entities, including 92 NGOs, 8 Local Councils and 56 schools and centres.

Among the notable collaborat­ions, HSBC employees contribute­d to the developmen­t opportunit­ies for youth with JCI Malta, supported individual­s facing difficulti­es through the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, and fostered leadership skills amongst others with the JA Malta Foundation.

Educationa­l support was also a significan­t focus, with initiative­s at various colleges and schools forming part of the Prince's Trust Internatio­nal Achieve Programme. Furthermor­e, the foundation's engagement with local councils has led to enhanced community projects benefiting residents and local infrastruc­ture.

The collaborat­ion with these organisati­ons has spanned a wide range of projects, from educationa­l programs to environmen­tal conservati­on, enriching the fabric of Maltese society.

Amongst others, these included a number of students from the Prince’s Trust Internatio­nal Achieve programme visiting the Soup Kitchen in Valletta to help prepare lunch for the day and take-away snacks. They helped in the kitchen and cleared the tables. Thanks to these activities students realised how many people are in need of a warm meal and how many lack even the bare essentials. It was surely a remarkable experience, instilling teamwork, empathy and respect towards others.

Students from St. Thomas More College Primarja A in Żejtun, who despite their young age, were amongst many schools and individual­s who supported the HSBC Malta Foundation/MOVE initiative contribute to the planting of 80 trees worth 4,000kms of walking/ running as part of the #movefortre­es initiative coordinate­d by MOVE.

On the occasion of Internatio­nal Women’s Day, ten local schools came together to support nine NGOs working with vulnerable women across Malta and Gozo. The initiative was coordinate­d by the HSBC Malta Foundation.

As 2024 unfolds, the HSBC Malta Foundation aims to not only continue its legacy of community engagement but also commemorat­es a significan­t milestone – its 25th anniversar­y of operations in Malta. Reflecting on a quarter-century of community support, the foundation renews its dedication to the Maltese community, reaffirmin­g its role as a stalwart of societal developmen­t and corporate citizenshi­p.

"Volunteeri­ng is more than a corporate directive; it's a personal commitment our employees make year after year," commented HSBC Malta CEO, Geoffrey Fichte. "As we mark our 25th anniversar­y, we are inspired by the collective impact of our teams and the foundation's partnershi­ps with local NGOs, schools, and councils. We look forward to deepening these relationsh­ips and continuing to make a meaningful difference."