28 November 2007
HSBC INITIATIVES FOR THE DISTRESSED PEOPLE OF HURRICANE SIDR

HSBC held a press conference yesterday about the banks various initiatives to help the people affected by hurricane SIDR. HSBC has launched a number of initiatives to support these people in their hour of need.

With a budget in excess of BDT1.1 crore, HSBC has commenced a three phased initiative with the support of local NGO, CAMPE:

1) Immediate - Provision of Food, Clothing and Emergency Aid
HSBC has started delivering food, medicine and clothing relief packets to remote areas, commencing with Chechang village under Bamna thana of Barguna upazila last week. Other teams, including HSBC staff, will be traveling to Pirojpur, Bagerhat and Patuakhali to distribute aid. For each of the areas, the Bank has taken the assistance of local NGOs as well as district commissioners, UNOs and the joint forces who are currently actively involved in providing aid to the distressed.

2) Intermediate - Shelter
As winter approaches, many of the inhabitants of the affected areas are facing the elements without homes. HSBC will construct more than 200 simple houses in 4-5 villages areas, along with deep-water tubewells, in the coming weeks.

3) Long term - Sustainable Rehabilitation
Following the loss of winter crops and livestock, HSBC will seek to help the inhabitants of the 4-5 villages become self sufficient again by contributing seeds, fertiliser, fishing and farming equipment.

Given the government's immense task in bringing relief to the area HSBC is glad to be joining the growing number of private sector companies in contributing to the rehabilitation of the affected area.

If anyone requires any additional information regarding HSBC's activities please feel free to contact Sami Hafiz on 9660536 ext 142.