Bank Leumi (UK), like its parent company in Israel, believes that an organisation has a moral and social responsibility to contribute to the society and community in which it operates.
It is for this reason that the Bank supports the work of a large number of charities promoting essential issues such as health, social welfare, education and culture and arts.
Over the course of 2009, the Bank has taken part in a variety of charitable events, projects and campaigns; this has mainly been achieved through sponsorships and charitable donations but also through encouraging fundraising initiatives by members of staff.
Perhaps the most notable example is the Shaare Zedek Bike Ride. In an initiative to raise funds to build Jerusalem's first Children's Hospital (a project estimated at £10 million), a charity bike ride from London to Amsterdam (over 300 km) was organised by Shaare Zedek UK for early September 2009.
The Shaare Zedek Medical Centre was established in Jerusalem in 1902 and is known as a hospital that is open to all in need, regardless of their faith, race or financial means. The paediatrics department, which treats 50,000 children a year has not undergone any major refurbishment for over 30 years, making the project an urgent priority.
With considerable interest from staff, the Bank put together a team of nine led by Chief Executive Officer Larry Weiss and donated the relevant costs for each participant, to ensure that all funds raised went directly to Shaare Zedek.
To everyone’s delight, months of intense training, preparations and fundraising efforts (approaching customers, colleagues, families and friends) eventually paid off and all members of Team Leumi completed the challenge.
Team Leumi raised over £40,000.
Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer Larry Weiss said: “This is a great example of how the Bank’s core business ideals: teamwork, excellence, vision and perseverance can come together to accomplish any challenge to which we set our minds. It is a very proud moment for Team Leumi and for the Bank and I would like to thank everyone for their generous support.”
Additional examples of the Bank’s support include the Chesed at Pesach Project - this project is committed to ensure that those of limited means are provided with Passover Food Parcels so that they can celebrate the festival. Other significant donations have been made to the charities Children In Need and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Bank continues to view its commitment to social responsibility and charitable giving as a priority and will make every endeavour to maintain its support throughout 2010 and the years to come.
