Around 1,500 BOV staff members dressed down on Friday 13 July to raise funds for children in care.

A great majority of the Bank’s staff members participated in this initiative and went to work in informal clothing while making a monetary donation that will be presented to selected children’s charities during the Christmas period. Customers who visited BOV branches during the day were encouraged to participate and make a small contribution. Members of the general public can also make a donation into BOV account number 40017439446.

Dress Down days can be traced back as far as 1947 in Hawaii, when the city of Honolulu allowed workers to wear the Aloha shirt for part of the year. These were later known as Aloha Fridays or Casual Fridays when the shirts were worn on Fridays instead of normal business attire.

“With two out of every three BOV employees wearing a uniform, and 97% of all the staff complement of over 1500 wearing formal attire, Dress Down Days allow staff members a little more personal expression, while being more comfortable in this really hot climate” said Vanessa Macdonald, Head PR and Social Media at Bank of Valletta.

“Moreover, we are adding a social dimension to each initiative”, continued Ms Macdonald. “A small donation by each participating staff member will help us present a nice donation to children in care.”