Gala Dinner celebrates the spirit of IMF

Through the Bank's global "Seeing is Believing" fund, customers and staff from around the world are raising USD700,000 to return sight through cataract operations to over 28,000 people world-wide.

David Edwards, Regional General Manager for the Bank's operations in the Middle East and South Asia, noted, "It's amazing how little it takes to transform a life. One surgery - for as relatively small a sum as USD25 - can restore sight to a person, give colour to their world. Returning to someone the full utilisation of their sight is a gift that we are privileged to be able to give through this programme."

Launched at the start of the Bank's 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2003, the "Seeing is Believing" fund has committed to raising at least USD700,000 for cataract operations around the world by World Sight Day on 9 October 2003. The targeted amount would provide funds for 28,000 cataract operations, one for each staff in the Bank globally. As one of the top five markets for the Bank, Standard Chartered in the United Arab Emirates will be hosting its major fundraising event for this effort during the Dubai IMF meetings.

"We chose this time to hold our benefit because we believe the 'Seeing is Believing' initiative mirrors the principles of this week: helping people and communities through measurable and sustainable practices," said Ray Ferguson, CEO for Standard Chartered Bank UAE.

"Standard Chartered believes firmly in partnering the communities where our staff and customers live, and through 'Seeing is Believing', we have the chance to do this in every community in every one of the 50 countries where we operate. We are proud to be able to do this in the UAE, and proud of the customers and staff who are participating in this effort."

With over 50 years presence in many countries across the Middle East, the Bank has considerable experience in operating in Middle Eastern markets. The acquisition of the ANZ Grindlays operations in 2000, gives the Bank important additions to its branch network across the region, and makes Standard Chartered one of the leading international banks in the Middle East and South Asia.