We are aware that the pandemic has transformed the lives of many. Senior citizens are a particularly vulnerable group due to age-related health issues. Therefore, in 2020, we decided to support them in cooperation with the “Little Brothers of the Poor” Association, to whom BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. donated PLN 15 thousand. The donation funded Easter baskets which contained essential food products and which were distributed among the elderly who suffer from loneliness and illness.
As a strategic partner of the “Wiosna” Association’s “Noble Gift” campaign, the Bank supported the organization in providing assistance to those in need, especially by promoting the „Good Words – Help for Seniors” infoline project, which helps the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project provides seniors with the support of specialists – psychologists, therapists and volunteers. The line is operated by Dr. Barbara Smolińska’s team from the “Pracownia Dialogu” Psychological Aid Foundation.
The epidemic is particularly difficult for cancer patients. Necessary treatment at a hospital may carry the risk of infection and sometimes the continuity of treatment is endangered. We therefore decided to support the “Alivia” Foundation’s fundraiser for the purchase of protective gear for oncological patients. The BNP Paribas Foundation donated PLN 20 thousand. As a result, the “Alivia” Foundation had sufficient funds to provide cancer centres with the necessary supplies, including protective masks, disposable gloves and aprons, disinfectants, as well as safe transport for patients.
We also supported students who were faced with the need to find equipment for e-learning overnight. The pandemic forced schools and colleges to close their doors and urgently switch to remote lessons. Therefore, in cooperation with “Wasko”, we prepared 250 banking laptops and donated them to students in need. It was possible owing to the incredible commitment of the Bank’s IT department and “Wasko”, who serviced the computers free of charge. In addition, at this difficult time, we purchased over 500 laptops with routers (worth PLN 1 million) for students in need. It was a continuation of our efforts to counteract digital exclusion. The purchased laptops were distributed among students by the “Impact Foundation”. “Orange”, a mobile services provider, was a partner of the project.
We did not forgot about the need for psychological support. Many of us were worried about our health or losing employment. This contributed to mood deterioration and could cause depression. We therefore provided financial support to the “Itaka” Foundation’s Anti-Depression Helpline. With the Bank’s support, its operations were extended from 4 to 15 hours a week for 12 months. It is an important tool in the fight against depression, especially in times of a pandemic. Thanks to our initiative, the Foundation was able to provide 750 additional hours of telephone conversations with specialists working in the “Itaka” Foundation’s Anti-Depression Helpline. Details are available at: https://stopdepresji.pl/
The Bank provided financial support for a food collection organised by the SOS Food Bank in Warsaw. The collected products were distributed amongst those who found themselves in need during the pandemic.
BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. and the BNP Paribas Foundation also supported social organisations which faced financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. We helped, among others, the MONAR Association, which provides specialised help for addicts and is active in addiction prevention.
A group of volunteers from our Personal Finance Operations Division sewed 450 masks, which were donated to the Center for the Promotion of Women Foundation and two orphanages which our employees cooperate with: The House for Children in Szymonowo and the „PROMYK 1” House for Children and Youth in Morąg.
