Gulf International Bank employees volunteer at Down Syndrome Charitable Association in Riyadh

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme ‘WAGIB’, Gulf International Bank’s (GIB) employees recently volunteered at the Down Syndrome Charitable Association in Riyadh. 15 GIB employees spent the morning at the association’s centre painting and playing with the children and visiting the premises.

The volunteering initiative follows a donation of SAR 300,000 by GIB to DSCA earlier this year as part of the bank’s 40th anniversary celebrations. GIB CEO Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi accompanied the bank’s employees at the centre to receive a plaque of appreciation handed over by the DSCA Chairwoman, Dr. Hissa bint Mohamad Al Shaikh together with Suzanne Al Ghanem, the association’s General Secretary. The donation to DSCA benefits the association’s Individual Training Programme for mothers and is used to support 10 mothers and children with Down Syndrome in Riyadh.

Dr. Al Shaikh commented on the visit and the earlier donation, saying: “The Down Syndrome Charitable Association is pleased and thankful for the generosity of GIB, both in terms of financial support, as well as the employees’ time. It is commendable that the bank’s staff take a personal approach, visit us and spend time with the children. As a charitable establishment the backing from local organisations is important for our continued operations.”

The Down Syndrome Charitable Association works to empower families to achieve a dignified life for children with Down Syndrome. It aims to assist in their integration and interaction within the community through the provision of training and specialised programmes, as well as provide financial support for rehabilitation services and medical care to the children and their families. The association also supports the education of the children by enhancing and upgrading curriculums and training programmes for trainers and teachers in the field of Down Syndrome.

Mr. Al-Helaissi commented: “We take pride in our partnership with the DSCA.  Their work is crucial in aiding children with Down Syndrome, supporting their families, and promoting public awareness and acceptance of the condition in the local community.”

Launched last year, GIB’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme ‘WAGIB’ is committed to supporting local communities in which it operates with a range of sustainable development programmes and local initiatives. ‘WAGIB’ emphasises themes with long-term positive results in the fields of youth and career development, women’s empowerment and health awareness.

GIB is owned by the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund being the major shareholder.

Gulf International Bank (GIB) is a pan-GCC universal bank that specialises in corporate and investment banking and has a growing retail franchise. In addition to its main subsidiaries, London-based Gulf International Bank (UK) Ltd., and Riyadh-based GIB Capital LLC, it has branches in London, New York, Abu Dhabi, Dhahran, Riyadh and Jeddah with a representative office in Dubai.