Standard Chartered wins prestigious GMR Corporate Social Responsibility award

The accolade was awarded to the Bank in the face of fierce competition for its 'Seeing is Believing' charity, the Bank's global initiative which aims to restore the sight of one million blind people over the next three years.

"Corporate Social Responsibility is an increasingly significant component of the marketing function and this category featured some outstanding entries from across the Gulf," said Peter Barton, Editor, GMR. "Standard Chartered's 'Seeing Is Believing' campaign demonstrated a willingness to take the initiative in a particular activity and, crucially, succeed in getting the buy-in of its employees."

The awards were organized by GMR to support the development of marketing and best operational practices across the GCC, and to promote greater accountability in marketing.

Ray Ferguson, CEO Standard Chartered UAE, said:

"Our vigorous strategy to raise awareness for this campaign has paid off. To date the UAE fundraising programme has raised 20% of the total funds raised globally for 'Seeing Is Believing'."

"Standard Chartered continually promotes this initiative among staff, the media, the public and at a corporate level. We have used every tool available to us to highlight this campaign, from the in-house magazine 'The Teller' to sponsorship of the Dubai Marathon. In the process, every staff member has become an unofficial but passionate Ambassador of 'Seeing Is Believing'," he added.

Nick Hughes, Standard Chartered's Regional Head of Real Estate, and Country Coordinator for 'Seeing is Believing' who accepted the award on behalf of the Bank, explained that 'Seeing is Believing' reflects Standard Chartered's five values - Creativity, Responsiveness, Trust, Courage, and a commitment to a Global Perspective.

To date, Standard Chartered UAE alone has raised sufficient funds to restore sight to 20,000 people. This year's AED25 entrance fee for the three kilometre race at Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2006 went to 'Seeing Is Believing'.