Montag, 11. August 2008

Get inspi(RED) by (RED)


(RED) raises money for The Global Fund by collaborating with the world's famous brands to support women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. Created by Bono and Bobby Shriver, (RED) and brands such as Motorola, American Express, GAP, Emporio Armani, Converse, Apple, Hallmark, Dell and Windows Vista have produced (PRODUCT)RED branded products to direct up to 50 % of their gross profits to The Global Fund. 

I think this is an amazing commitment and hopefully many more companies will team up with (RED) to fight against AIDS in Africa. About 4,400 people die every day of AIDS in Africa, a preventable, treatable disease. 

My friend Nicoletta advices me of (RED) by wearing a GAP (PRODUCT)RED T-shirt. So probably next time when you go into a store, you will find RED products and you will be one of them who help fighting AIDS. "Think (RED) and give back"!

Mittwoch, 6. August 2008

Deutsche Bank


Source: http://www.deutsche-bank.de/csr/en/content/Commiting_Ourselves.htm

It is the first time for me writing about a German company with a strong commitment to support the environment and people. Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank that gets involved with a solar project, corporate volunteering and microfinance among other things.

With its support for the Solar Impulse project Deutsche Bank is assisting to open up the way for the first manned round-the-world flight in an airplain powered by solar energy. As a passionate traveler and frequent flier I think this is amazing: around-the-world just with the power of the sun and without producing pollutant emissions!

Corporate Volunteering is another commitment and the foundation of Deutsche Bank's CSR activities. It includes an initiative that enables employees applying for a grant to be donated to their particular charitable organization. Besides, employees have the possibility to improve their community's infrastructure by undertaking tasks, such as gardening, renovation or conversion work to enhance life of handicapped persons. Mentoring is another part of Corporate Volunteering at Deutsche Bank. Experienced mentors support mentees finding a job or finishing their studies. A project in Frankfurt, Germany for example focuses on women with a migrant background who are looking for a qualified job. Mentors encourage them and also open doors to other companies. During my time here in the U.S. I always appreciate every support I can get. I think this is a useful way of lightening the first steps in a foreign country.

Deutsche Bank was the first bank to create a microfinance fund. Over the past ten years about $ 170 million have been donated to more than 100 institutions in more than 45 countries. This helps to fight poverty in developing countries.