Corporate Volunteer Program
The Corporate Volunteer Program promotes employee participation in diverse initiatives related mainly to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, caring for the environment, emergency response, entrepreneurship and financial education, all of which are made possible thanks to a variety of partnerships with community organizations. Volunteers act as facilitators of the bank's “Commitment to Chile” and its sustainability pillars.
In light of the pandemic, the corporation restricted participation and served as a sponsor with one employee from each area/branch directly managing the relationship with the beneficiary organization and motivating its members to interact using digital tools.
Banco de Chile Emergency Volunteers
Due to the public health emergency, the third volunteer sign-up drive and the pre-defined training plan were suspended. However, as part of the community support actions, regional teams were strengthen and participated in different volunteer opportunities to help the hardest-hit groups.
In 2020 the response to the public health emergency was prioritized (see description of activities under Emergency Response). In addition, employees organized Meaningful Christmas celebrations at institutions for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and immigrants, benefiting 6,850 people throughout Chile.
In January actions to care for the environment were carried out alongside the Cultiva Foundation, specifically building participatory eco-participatory centers at the Bella Esperanza Special School in Quilicura to benefit 104 children with disabilities. Tasks included improving the entrance, building a formal and an educational patio, incorporating native plants, compost bins, planters, gazebos and playground equipment. In this same spirit, the bank also supported the Sótero del Río Hospital in partnership with the Ronald McDonald Foundation, enhancing green areas, incorporating medicinal gardens and planters and adding furniture, gazebos and murals.
Banco Edwards and Cancer Prevention
Through Banco Edwards, since 2016 the corporation has supported the ChilesinCáncer Foundation, a private, non-profit institution that aims to reduce inequality in cancer treatments.
For the second straight year, Banco Edwards joined the 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign led by multinational Estée Lauder Companies for the past 28 years, in order to promote global awareness. In October different activities were targeted towards employees, customers and the community at large.
The bank has taken on this social cause as part of its commitment to the country. Its involvement aims to promote prevention and early detection and build awareness among the population about this disease, the leading cause of death in Chile.
As part of the Meaningful Christmas initiative, Banco Edwards— through its employees—sponsored eight pediatric oncology units in the Valparaíso, Metropolitan, Biobío and La Araucanía regions, in partnership with the Nuestros Hijos and Ronald McDonald foundations, benefiting 641 children with cancer.
