Each year, thousands of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ employees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) give thousands of hours to volunteering projects. It is thanks to these efforts that our Community Affairs program continues to make such a positive impact. From supporting our flagship partner The Bridge Academy in the UK to helping women to set up social businesses in Germany, ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ volunteers have demonstrated outstanding commitment and contributed to the well-being of our local communities.

ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ EMEA has recognized outstanding volunteers from across the region in the 2016 EMEA Employee Volunteer Awards. See some of our winning employee volunteers below.

Excellence in Education Award winners

Portrait of Sonia, Asset Management, Italy

Sonia, Asset Management, Italy

Sonia is engaged in multiple activities in the Italian Community Affairs program. In particular, she has mentored and supported young people to help improve their employment prospects. She has gone the extra mile to help source and engage community partners – such as Sraffa, Deploy your talents, Fondazione Franceschi, and Bocconi esoneri parziali. These organisationsprovide excellent opportunities for employees to volunteer their time and skills and make a real impact.

Portrait of Grzegorz, Corporate Center, Poland

Grzegorz, Corporate Center, Poland

Grzegorz has played a leading role in one of Poland's main CSR projects - Career Turn. The project has delivered outstanding results with high levels of employee support. Grzegorz brought together more than 50 colleagues to recruit and teach unemployed people, resulting in many of the beneficiaries gaining employment.

Portrait of Christian, Wealth Management, Germany

Christian, Wealth Management, Germany

Christian has been a great motivator, encouraging his colleagues to participate in volunteering, particularly with supporting young children in need, helping to improve the quality of their lives.

Portrait of Elise, Investment Bank, UK

Elise, Investment Bank, UK

Elise is a longstanding volunteer and a driving force in engaging colleagues to provide support to young students. Over 40% of employees on the trading floor have volunteered in the local community and their flagship fundraisers have raised over GBP 100,000.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award winners

Portrait of Carole, Asset Management, UK

Carole, Asset Management, UK

Carole has been an outstanding contributor to social entrepreneurship causes. Among other initiatives, she volunteered as a mentor to a social enterprise in the music sector through ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ partner Hackney Cooperative Developments. She is currently a financial coach to a social enterprise in the education sector with the Young Foundation.

Portrait of Tom, Investment Bank, UK

Tom, Investment Bank, UK

Tom has used his skills to provide support to an array of social entrepreneurs, small businesses and charitable organizations. In 2016, Tom volunteered to support social enterprises through two ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ projects. His efforts helped to mobilize large numbers of colleagues, through our partnership with City Bridge Trust, to help prepare charities for social investment.

Portrait of Karen, Wealth Management, Germany

Karen, Wealth Management, Germany

Karen has been hugely supportive in running Community Affairs activities in Germany. She encouraged colleagues to volunteer and support social entrepreneurship through the Social Business Women project. The project helps vulnerable and disadvantaged women to gain the confidence and skills needed to start a business.

Portrait of Henry, Corporate Center, UK

Henry, Corporate Center, UK

Henry has been a keen volunteer, giving his expertise and time to benefit the development of community organizations in East London. He has supported social enterprises and currently mentors the new CEO of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ partner charity Inspire!

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