Rabobank centenary revisited
community outreach
Lifesaving support
Indonesian coop
io What'sNewS Issue 6 June 1
With a century of cooperative banking now behind us, we continue to make our mark on the community. During last year's
centenary celebrations, many Rabobank projects around the globe illustrated our commitment to social responsibility.
Now, six months on, What's NewS takes a look at some of the more sustainable, ongoing centenary projects. Here's a
roundup, proving Rabobankers are still serious about 'teamplaying for the future'.
Rabobank
As a result of their centenary activities,
our London hranch was quick to
realize that ongoing involvement is the
Official presentation of the lifesaving Hygieia Kimal kidney
machine by the Rabobank charity committee - left to right:Ami
Sanghera, David HUI, Ann Santillo, Kate Hedges and Steve Alcorn
only way to make a difference in the
community. Proving they are there for the
long haul, the team recently took several
concrete steps to illustrate this commit
ment to continuity. The first was the
official donation of a lifesaving support
machine to the Children of St. Mary's
Intensive Care (COSMIC). COSMIC is
recognized worldwide for its pioneering
research in the treatment of life-threate-
ning infectious diseases. Since beginning
operations in 1992, it has treated over
1,250 children and has succeeded in im-
proving meningitis mortality rates front
the UK average of one in four, to one in
25. RI donated GBP 20,000 multi-purpose
kidney machine was considered not only a
highly worthwhile cause, but high priority.
Previously, if an accident victint arrived,
the hospital would attempt to 'borrow' a
spare life support machine from some-
where else - clearly a far from acceptable
situation. Since its donation, the Kimal
kidney machine was already directly
responsible for saving the life of a young
girl who developed complications follow-
ing a chicken pox infection. In true team
spirit, funds for the machine were raised
largely through a series of 'dress down'
days held throughout London branch last
year. Everyone was encouraged to come to
work in casual clothes - those who dared
wear a 'business as usual'
suit were subject to the
heaviest fine. Every pound
raised was generously
matched by London's
charities committee.
Also initiated during last
year's centenary cele
brations is London branch's
second highly successful and
worthwhile project - adop-
tion of the city's Moat
School for Dyslexie Child
ren. The children are now
reaping the benefits of the RI
donated furnishings and in
particular, the near-new
computers. Aside from a
specifically dedicated 'Rabobank
Computer Centre', an additional 10 PCs
are to be contributed. According to the
school's head Robert Carlysle, 'since the
introduction of the PCs, there has been a
t ovnp
London's generaI manager Gijs van der
Schrieck (right) pledging support to the
Moat School's head Robert Carlysle at the
school - and Rabobank inspired computer
centre's - official opening
dynamic and dramatic improvement in
basic literacy skills. The children actually
seem to "walk talier"" due to their renewed
confidence.' Members of the charities
committee along with London's general
manager Clijs van der Schrieck recently
attended the school's official opening
where the Rabobankers pledged ongoing
support. To start the ball rolling, 11
children are invited to Thanres Court for a
first-hand lesson in banking.
The centenary-inspired Toraja project,
in the poverty-stricken Indonesian
region of South Sulawesi, is alive and
well and continues to provide self-
sustaining cooperative support to a
growing number of farmers and their
families. At least, that is the glowing
report coming out of a recent visit by
Klaas Hof from the Rabobank Founda
tion on behalf of Rabobank Duta
Indonesia. An entire community of some
500 farmers are participating in the by
now well established cooperative system.
The Toraja project supports farmers
through lending money for productive
purposes. The funds are channelled
through Walda - a small locally-run
foundation responsible for handling
administration. Funds are lent to some 40
mini-cooperatives, each comprising 10-15
members, who are jointly and severally
liable for the money borrowed. According
to Indonesia's Jeroen Nijsen, 'we have
received a request for additional funds
from Walda, implying an increase in the
number of beneficiaries. Apart from the
loans and the setring up of the adminis-
trative system, we have also provided
additional funds to set up a proper infra-
structure. Once the political situation in
Indonesia has stabilized following the
June 7 elections, we plan to visit for a
first-hand look. Meanwhile we are dedi
cated to continued work with the
Rabobank Foundation on additional
structures in Indonesia.'
