Republic Bank Staff Volunteerism Programme In Action

St. George’s, Grenada: September 12, 2016: In a strong show of volunteerism, Republic Bank’s management team teamed up with approximately 40 staff members from Republic House on Saturday, September 03rd to refurbish the St. David’s Community Library, as part of their annual Branch Community Projects (Staff Volunteerism) programme, launched in 2014.

Through the efforts of the management and staff, St. David’s Community Library received a much needed makeover. The scope of work included replacement of windows, doors, protective mesh and wrought iron bars; refurbishment of shelves and desks, and, repainting of the entire lower level as well the exterior of the building. Republic Bank contributed $20,000.00 towards the project. Additionally, the Staff, through its own efforts, commissioned a special luncheon to raise funds to tile the floor of the building.

An elated Library Assistant, Ms. Cindy Francis, expressed her elation on the refurbished building, citing: “The physical structure has been in a terrible state of disrepair for many years and I prayed for someone to come to our aid. The number of users has noticeably dwindled over the years, but now, I know they will return.”

Branch Community Projects Grants (BCPG) provides funding to help establish or expand service projects that address critical and diverse human and social needs around the country. This initiative is closely aligned with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility programme The Power to Make a Difference. The objective is to assist the branch network and specialists units, in improving the quality of life in their communities, by meeting essential needs such as poverty alleviation, education, culture and literacy. It is also meant to engender an increased sense of camaraderie and teamwork amongst the staff throughout the Bank’s network.

According to Mr. Valentine Antoine, Manager – Commercial Credit: “Volunteerism is not new to Republic Bank; but what’s unique about this event is that the entire management team and staff are actively participating together in the execution of this project. While we often provide financing for community projects, we also see it as important and necessary to give hands-on support and work together with community activists on projects like this that will benefit so many.”

In keeping with the spirit of community volunteerism, the St. David’s arm of the SSU Fitness Club, chipped in to assist with the skilled labour, to repair/replace the broken windows, doors, bookshelves and furniture and the Bank expresses its appreciation and commendation to the participants from the St. David’s Community.

Republic Bank is proud of its management team and staff, for volunteering their time, away from the office, to this community project. These activities, while benefitting communities at large, afford the staff a sense of individual satisfaction and creating powerful connections with community-based organizations at the same time.

Look out for the next project coming this weekend, Saturday, September 17th. The St. George’s Branch will be in action, refurbishing the Pediatric Ward at the General Hospital.