The financial sector seems to be over the worst of the crisis: risks are contained in ‘bad banks’ or with the help of state guarantees, bonuses and incentives are again order of the day, and companies are recruiting.

Acknowledging that for many people in society, the crisis is far from over (indeed it is just beginning), the lobbying flagship of Europe’s major banks and insurance companies EUFISEAS (the European Financial Services Association) has taken a bold step forward. It yesterday announced its intent to encourage all members’ staff to commit at least ½ a day per week to volunteering for a good cause. Those working with the most vulnerable in society and environmental charities should soon be flooded by eager bank clerks and CFOs interested to making the world a bit better. See here EUFISEAS Press Release.

Eurochild - a European-level NGO network focusing on children’s rights and welfare - welcomes this initiative.

"It’s an important signal of social solidarity that we hope will have ripple effects throughout society.  It will send a message to governments too that social and environmental issues are important and cutting spending in these vital areas will have devastating consequences in the future.  Our members who are working with the most vulnerable children and families across Europe need resources now – both time and money.  The volunteer effort is significant, but not enough. Let’s hope governments get the message too”.
says Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General of Eurochild.

Last week Tuesday, EUFISEAS Senior Advisor on Non-local Foreign Direct Investment promotion practices & Alpine tourism, John Smith spend half a day with Eurochild to make a first hand experience.

"First I struggeled a bit with the Coffee Machine. I had no idea about these pads. I always put them in the wrong side. My professional experience helped them a lot to book a flight to Geneva. It felt very good. The people at Eurochild are doing a great job for the children in Europe. Astonishing how many people can fit in such a small office..." commented Mr Smith.

• Eurochild is a network of 135 organisations and individuals working in and across Europe (35 countries) to improve the quality of life of children and young people. Eurochild's work is underpinned by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• The European Financial Services Association (EUFISEAS) is probably the biggest global union of banks and insurances. It wishes to represent some 39,6 million people working in this sector.
• 2011 is the European Year of Volunteering. But this is pure coincidence.
• For further information contact: Björn Becker (Information and Communication Officer) at bjoern.becker@eurochild.org or +32 (0)498 53 00 53

Avenue des Arts 1-2
B-1210 Brussels
Belgium
T: +32 (0)2 511 70 83
F: +32 (0)2 511 72 98
www.eurochild.org
info@eurochild.org

 

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