‘Rabobank in the Community’ program
The bank continues to maintain its social commitment through the ‘Rabobank in the Community’ program, with employees embracing the two core initiatives – Community Leave and Workplace Giving – which see bank employees sharing their time and skills with a non-profit organisation or making a financial contribution to an official charity partner.
Giving back to the community
Participation in Workplace Giving enables employees to donate directly from their pay to a range of charities with donations being matched by the bank. In 2008 almost $75,000 was donated through this program to a range of charities in New Zealand and Australia.
Donating work days
Community Leave provides every permanent Rabobank employee in New Zealand and Australia the opportunity to volunteer one working day annually with a non-profit organisation in in their local community. Volunteering projects range from preparing and serving meals for the Salvation Army to selling merchandise to raise funds for the Starship Foundation.
Community partnership
The bank’s social commitment underpins the belief that it has a corporate responsibility to support community initiatives. Rabobank’s community partners have a positive and direct impact on community well-being, whether this be economic, social or environmental.
The Salvation Army NZ
In September 2009 Rabobank New Zealand formed a new three year social partnership to support The Salvation Army NZ’s Budgeting Service program. Rabobank’s support provides financial assistance to The Salvation Army to deliver this program across New Zealand.
This valuable program plays a vital role in helping people get back on their feet after falling on hard times. It is designed to assist people to handle their money responsibly, by providing ongoing support, advice and advocacy in the context of personal and family budgeting. Rabobank and The Salvation Army NZ share many common values and both are keen to encourage life skills that help people manage their finances.
The Salvation Army provides a diverse range of community services and the bank already has a strong relationship with them through our Workplace Giving program and through employees using their Community Leave day to volunteer their time to this service. As the tough economic conditions continue, the budgeting service is set to help New Zealanders from across the country.
www.salvationarmy.org.nz