Hyderabad|India|November'2009: Over a thousand Citi India employees from across 27 towns and cities joined thousands of their colleagues worldwide on the company’s fourth annual “Global Community Day” today to dedicate their time, talent, skill and effort to a wide spectrum of community development initiatives addressing specific community needs including climate change, literacy, housing and sports among others.

In Hyderabad today, Citi employee volunteers conducted an interactive and educational activity on the basics of climate change through flash cards, and other games in association at the Byrraju Foundation. They imparted knowledge on the importance of climate change on planet Earth and shared tips on how they can positively impact the environment.

“Global Community Day is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment and responsibility towards the communities we have lived and worked in during our 107-year history in India. This being my first year in the country, I am very pleased to see the enthusiasm of our employees to join colleagues across the country and the globe to engage in issues where they can make a positive difference.” said Mark T Robinson, CEO, Citi South Asia.

“The most noteworthy aspect of Global Community Day in India is its widespread reach and cumulative impact, which covers the length and breadth of the country. The volunteer strength stands testimony to the fact that the Day has become a much-awaited occasion for all of us.” said N. Rajashekaran, Country Business Manager, Global Consumer Group, Citi India.

Across 27 cities in India such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Citi partnered with several leading NGOs to jointly conceptualize this day-long volunteering programme. Some among these are Akanksha Foundation (Mumbai), Friends of Women’s World Banking (Ahmedabad), Pratham (6 cities), SOS Children Village (Bhubaneshwar) and Annamma School in Vijayawada.

The over-arching theme for Citi India’s “Global Community Day” 2009 was Climate Change. In numerous locations employees conducted educational sessions on the basics of climate change and its adverse effects on the environment. Additionally, the activities ended with ways teaching us, in our way, how we can make a difference to correct the mistakes that are being made.

Reachout's News Bureau
November' 2009