Cecabank's Social Action Programme 'Tú Eliges' (You Choose) is now in its tenth year as a benchmark for social action initiatives in the financial sector
In this edition, the bank has increased by 50% the total endowment to be distributed among the solidarity projects presented by its staff
Since 2015 Cecabank has allocated more than €925,000 to 119 projects implemented by more than 90 different associations and foundations, and continues to promote alliances and grow in social contribution initiatives with a special focus on vulnerable groups
MADRID, 22 NOVEMBER 2024.- Cecabank, through its Social Action programme 'Tú Eliges', has awarded a total endowment of €150,000 to fifteen solidarity projects chosen by its employees following an internal voting process. The donations were presented to the various associations and foundations yesterday at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid.
'Tú Eliges' has celebrated its 10th edition, once again showcasing the commitment of the bank and its staff to projects that contribute to the development of a more inclusive society, that foster culture and that protect the environment. Compared to the previous year, the bank has increased by 50% the total endowment to be distributed among the solidarity projects presented for this tenth edition.
A total of 25 projects were submitted in this year's call. During the process, 90.3% of the staff voted, a record turnout. The initiative most voted for by Cecabank employees was the 'adELA Emotional Wellbeing Platform' project from the Spanish Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association.
In the words of Juan Carlos López, Head of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations at Cecabank: 'Tú Eliges is Cecabank's flagship initiative within our extensive network of social action alliances. Over the course of ten uninterrupted years, we have channelled the solidarity of the staff, supporting the projects of more than ninety associations and foundations that have transformed the lives of thousands of people'.
Since 2015, and with a total endowment of more than €925,000, the 'Tú Eliges' initiative has financed 119 projects (one hundred social, eleven cultural and seven environmental projects), geared towards promoting research and development of innovative therapies, early diagnosis and improving the quality of life of patients; promoting social and personal development through music, culture and sport; and protecting and caring for the planet, focusing on the conservation of flora and fauna, among others. The solidarity initiative has established itself as a benchmark for social action within the financial sector. Through it, the bank reinforces its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and reflects the sensitivity of the staff to social problems and specifically to those that affect the most disadvantaged groups
Associations and foundations honoured during the 10th edition of the 'Tú Eliges' social action programme
Cecabank, a bank with a caring soul
Cecabank's Social Action Plan, integrated within the bank's Sustainability Policy, is a reflection of its commitment and that of its employees to the implementation of actions that generate well-being for society. Cecabank, as a member of the Spanish Network of the United Nations Global Compact and aware of the importance of its role as a stakeholder in the financial sector, works tirelessly to weave a solidarity network of alliances with various foundations and associations to help generate a positive impact on society and its environment.
In addition to the 'Tú Eliges' programme, over the past year Cecabank has continued to display an unwavering commitment to society and in particular to the most vulnerable groups through the development of other solidarity initiatives.
The bank maintains a close relationship with the Red Cross, which it assists in emergencies that occur in Spain, and with which it recently collaborated in the disaster caused by the torrential rainstorms, with special incidence in the region of Valencia, raising - between all employees and the bank - €54,900. It also collaborates annually with this NGO by promoting blood donation among its staff to improve the lives of patients. It has also responded to the latest requests for humanitarian assistance issued by the Spanish Emergency Committee following the violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
Cecabank has a long history of providing support to the Madrid Food Bank, with which it collaborates every year by sponsoring an avenue and a square at its facilities and participating in various campaigns, most notably Operation Kilo.
The bank is also deeply committed to social inclusion and reducing the digital divide, which is reflected in the creation of social classrooms, such as the one created in Ariadna Cosiendo Ilusiones, an association that offers work to women at risk of social exclusion, and technology classrooms, fitted with computer equipment and geared towards the disabled, the elderly, migrants and the unemployed. Since 2021, the bank has created ICT classrooms at the Real Oratorio de Caballero de Gracia, Fundación Bobath, Fundación Adisli, Fundación Senara, Fundación Integra and Casa San Cristóbal de Fundación Montemadrid.
Cecabank has also been promoting corporate volunteering programmes for years, including training courses in basic digital skills in ICT classrooms for job-seekers at risk of exclusion with the Fundación Integra, financial education courses, and specific programmes in schools to prevent teenagers from dropping out of school with the Fundación Junior Achievement. At the end of the year, coinciding with the Christmas season and displaying a strong commitment to the elderly, since 2023 the bank has also participated in the volunteer initiative 'A letter to a grandparent' run by the NGO Adopta un abuelo (Adopt a grandparent).
Through these and other initiatives, Cecabank continues to promote alliances and grow in social contribution initiatives with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
