The cheque in the fifth annual “Coup de Pouce” (A Little Boost) programme was presented in a ceremony at BGL BNP Paribas’ headquarters on 5 November 2014, in the presence of Carlo Thill, Country Manager and Chairman of the bank’s Management Board.

The purpose of this programme is to encourage current and retired employees of the BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg to become involved in the community activities of not-for-profit organisations. Since 2010, no fewer than 120 projects have been given a total of EUR 346,128 in financial support.

In 2014, 25 projects proposed by 27 employees and retirees dealing with issues such as humanitarian aid, education, disability, healthcare, solidarity and combating insecurity at both local and international level were selected to receive a total of EUR 72,608 in funding.

Besides financial support through the Coup de Pouce programme, organisations can also take part in the “Marché de Noël des Associations”, a Christmas “market” held specifically for them each year at BGL BNP Paribas headquarters. From 8 to 12 December 2014, they will be able to present their activities to employees of BNP Paribas in Luxembourg while offering them the chance to contribute to a good cause by doing some of their Christmas shopping at the same time.

“What we have sought to do from the start is to make support from Coup de Pouce more than simply an annual gift of financial assistance. It is no coincidence that of the 25 organisations receiving money this year, 21 have already done so in the past. This illustrates one of the guiding principles of Coup de Pouce. It is a long-term initiative, meaning not only that the projects are ongoing, but also that the relationships created between the Group in Luxembourg and local community organisations are, too”, said Mr Thill.

Coup de Pouce is one of the numerous initiatives of the BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg that demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility and solidarity.