Bank of Valletta is actively promoting Pink October this month, in an effort to support the initiatives being driven by the Marigold Foundation-BOV in the Community to raise awareness about breast cancer, while raising funds to help cancer patients.
Key premises across the organisation, including the façade of BOV Centre at Santa Venera, the bank's new premises in Gzira and the main branch in Victoria Gozo have been lit in pink. In addition, all employees across the organisation were given a specially designed lapel pin to wear throughout this month.
On Friday, 6 October, a dress down day was organised across the bank. All employees reported for work in casual clothing, in exchange for a nominal donation. Customers walking into the bank's branches were treated to a sweet pink surprise to commemorate the event and invited to contribute to the cause. All donations received will be donated to the Pink October campaign. Later on, the bank will be hosting its second blood donation drive this year.
In a bid to increase awareness about breast cancer, the primary cause of cancer-related death in women in Malta, with over 300 being diagnosed every year, the bank is also using its intranet portal to provide its people with information about self-examination and the importance of early diagnosis and regular screening.
Speaking about the initiative, Charles Azzopardi, executive PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta said: "This is the third year that the bank is promoting Pink October across the organisation. The initiatives are organised with a dual purpose. On the one hand, we want to support the efforts being made by many to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prompt treatment. On the other hand, we want to get the message across to as many of our people as possible. We have increased our efforts in a bid to reach out to more of our people and show them how to care for one's self."
Azzopardi commented: "Our organisation is virtually a community within a community. We feel it is important for us to involve ourselves in such initiatives that help to raise awareness about important issues such as the Pink October campaign, which not only focuses on fund-raising but also on generating more awareness about the matter."
The bank will also be actively endorsing the Pink October Night Walk on 20 October. Further information about this campaign and the different activities being organised is available at https://www.facebook.com/pinkoctobermalta/