Employees dig deep yet again!

ING employees are used to giving generously, especially when it comes to helping those less fortunate or impacted by a natural disaster.

So it’s no surprise that employees worldwide raised a mammoth EUR 667,403 (including matching donations) to assist the victims of Typhoon Haiyan which hit the Philippines on 8 November.

The money will be given to UNICEF who will deliver first aid and emergency aid to those impacted.

While the overall amount of money is impressive, there were also many special efforts including Filipino colleagues who singlehandedly raised EUR 91,000. Their special effort included a contest among employees as to who would raise the most funds and ‘toning down’ their yearly Christmas party.

ING Direct Spain, meanwhile, gathered a staggering EUR 237,236 after they opened up their website so customers could donate to the cause.

ING was one the first respondents from the corporate sector to the disaster.

In thanking employees, UNICEF said they will make sure every euro, dollar, peso or penny raised will reach the Philippines.

With employee contributions UNICEF will send children to school, help rebuild villages and communities and vaccinate children against deadly diseases.

ING’s campaign, now closed, ran from 12 November until 6 December.

UNICEF in action

Ten-year-old Jumar Dadol is a third-grade student. The typhoon destroyed his home and caused both parents to lose their livelihoods. “I am waiting for the school to reopen,” says Jumar. “I want to be with all my friends again and study and play.” To ensure that children can return to their daily lives as soon as possible, teaching materials and 72 school tents were shipped to the disaster area. A large-scale back-to-school campaign is planned in January ensuring that all children are able to return to schooling.

Find out more about what UNICEF is doing in the Philippines by watching this video: