During the past months, several teams across Bank of Valletta's retail network have taken an initiative towards the communities in which they operate.

Speaking about the initiative, Geoffrey Ghigo, Head Branch Network at the bank explained, "The bank has a physical presence through its branches in 37 localities across Malta and Gozo. In many instances, these branches have been in operation for decades. Our working relationship with the communities goes much deeper than providing financial services, and these initiatives serve to highlight the strong bond that links our people and our organisation to the different local communities."

The spectrum of initiatives undertaken to date is quite broad and touches upon various aspects of community life. Philanthropy was a popular choice for many. For instances, a group of 11 branches in the south of Malta pooled financial resources and made a donation of goods to the Leap Centre in the region. The team at Republic Street Branch organised a Ftira Day for its members, the proceeds of which were donated to ALS Malta. Mosta Branch held a clean-up, including a much needed fresh coat of paint of the chairs, at the Oratory Chapel which is used to host doctrine lessons for children.

The environmental aspect was present through tree planting initiatives intended to embellish entertainment areas in the communities. Other branches chose to dedicate their free time to elderly residents by collaborating with residential homes in the area to either organise a high tea for the residents, as in the case of the Mellieha team or a sports day for the residents as was the case for the BOV teams at Balluta and St Julians. Accompanied by their families, they joined the care workers in a day dedicated to sports and fun.

Feedback received to date from the protagonists shows that these initiatives are proving to be quite popular with all involved. "Such events help the team to gel and bond closer together. Concurrently, our people get a deeper insight of the people in their community, with whom they usually interact only within the branch premises," explained Mr Ghigo. "We look forward to share more of these experiences and anecdotes over the coming months," he concluded.