The first months of 2019 were once again marked by a large number of events sponsored or organised by ING that go well beyond its core business. Here are some of these initiatives in the areas of health, youth, the environment and well-being at work.

Health

ING has a long-standing commitment to cancer associations. This year again, ING Luxembourg participated in the Cancer Foundation’s  Relais pour la Vie. In order to support people with cancer, 59 participants divided into two ING teams run a 25 hour Relay Race on the weekend of 23 and 24 March.

Along the same lines, two ING teams also participated in the first Immorun, supporting the Kriibskrank Kanner Foundation, which helps families of children with cancer.                       

ING Luxembourg's headquarters lighted in blue: this is how ING marked Autism Awareness Day on 2 April 2019! Many ING employees also wore blue that day, as a show of support.

Youth

In June, more than 110 ING participants ran or walked for UNICEF during the Run for Youth (24 hours in Wiltz). Thanks to them, €2564 were donated to UNICEF in support of our joint Power for Youth programme.

If a bank is well positioned for one thing, it is to provide young people with financial literacy skills. In January, during a “Lunch and Learn Event” at ING, the Jonk Entrepreneuren introduced the role of coach for the Fit for Life programme. The coach’s goal is to raise young students' awareness of finances and budget management. About fifteen employees embraced the role.

ING also promoted entrepreneurship with the Jonk Entrepreneuren by welcoming 55 students during the Innovation Camp on 27 February. The participants had to take up a challenge: creating an imaginary start-up to tackle an environmental issue. And all in one single day! The ten teams brilliantly presented their projects to the public and the jury, made up of both ING staff and sustainable development and innovation professionals.

In another project, four ING Luxembourg volunteers went out to teach 56 children from different primary schools the basic rules of responsible money management. This Money Week - D'Woch vun den Suen is an initiative organised annually by the ABBL with the support of the Chamber of Commerce.

Circular economy

ING Luxembourg's environmental commitment also takes on much more concrete aspects. In September 2018, our CEO Colette Dierick signed the Zero Single Use Plastic manifesto and following this, in March 2019 all plastic cups and the vast majority of single-use plastic containers were removed from our headquarters. This initiative was welcomed at the Sustainability Forum organised by IMS Luxembourg.

In the same vein, the bank was able to donate 83 iPhones and €12,000 to purchase laptops for the Digital Inclusion association, winner of the Coup de Pouce category of the ING Solidarity Awards. This association facilitates access to new technologies for people in need.

In October, employees were also able to participate in "The Blue Connection", a simulation game focusing on circular economy. The Ministre de l’Aménagement du territoire et de l’Energie, Claude Turmes, was present for the launch.

Well-being at work

Fitness, yoga, badminton games, mindfulness, sophrology or football: since February, the WellBe@ING program has enabled employees to work out or take relaxing break at their workplace. The employees' financial contributions are entirely donated to our partner UNICEF. (1165 € for the first semester).

ING also gives its employees the opportunity to subscribe to the bike service Vel'Oh: a good way to do something for the environment and for their health!

Throughout the summer, the Health Summer took place at ING Luxembourg's headquarters. The goal was for our athletic employees to share their passions and know-how with their colleagues.

Diversity

Diversity Awards

ING Luxembourg was one of the three finalists at this year's Diversity Awards - category Environment and well-being at work, thanks to the "Key stages of Life" programme. This ceremony takes place every two years and rewards the best practices in diversity management in Luxembourg.

And soon to come: the Solidarity Awards!

And of course, let's not forget to mention a highly anticipated event that will take place on 21 November: the ING Solidarity Awards! The ceremony, which will take place at ING Luxembourg's headquarters, rewards a large number of Luxembourg associations’ projects with prizes ranging from €1,000 to €4,000.