BNP Paribas was awarded Vital Regeneration’s '2009 Corporate Partner of the Year' at the charity’s Annual Awards Ceremony held at The Cockpit Theatre in Westminster on 27th January 2010.

The event, an annual feature for Vital Regeneration, recognised outstanding achievements, hard work and commitment of over 1,500 beneficiaries that engaged with the charity in 2009, as well as acknowledging the support of partners that played a significant role in making this happen.

Emma Oliver, Internal Communications and Charity Programme Executive, at BNP Paribas accepted the award on behalf of the bank.  Speaking at the event, Emma said, “We are delighted to be working with Vital Regeneration and to know that our support is making a difference to them and the communities they work in.  Our aim is to help Vital Regeneration to deliver on the needs that they have identified and to build a strong and sustainable partnership.”

Vital Regeneration chose BNP Paribas, a European leader in global banking and financial services, as their “Corporate Partner of the Year 2009” for the bank’s commitment to improving the lives of local residents in some of Westminster’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods”.
 
In 2009, BNP Paribas’ support enabled Vital Regeneration to launch the Vital 500 network.  A team of 30 interns at BNP Paribas contributed more than 300 hours of their time to recruit 500 local businesses.  The Vital 500 network was launched on the 18th August at an event hosted by BNP Paribas, with over 100 businesses in attendance.  The event not only raised significant funds for Vital Regeneration, but also created numerous opportunities for the charity to work together with businesses and create employment and training opportunities for its beneficiaries. 
 
Throughout 2009, support from BNP Paribas enabled Vital Regeneration to continue to deliver a suite of learning and employability programmes such as Homework Clubs and Eco Kids Clubs for children aged 8-13 living in some of most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Westminster.  In 2010, BNP Paribas has committed to supporting Vital Regeneration’s Homework Clubs and Eco Clubs to provide 400+ learning hours for young children that would otherwise struggle academically, as they make the critical transition between primary and secondary school.  In addition, BNP Paribas have also agreed to support Vital Regeneration’s youth media learning projects, FreqOUT!, Studio+ and Re-Evolve to support hundreds of young people between 14-19 years of age that are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
 
Katy Haigh, Vital Regeneration’s Director of Learning says, “BNP Paribas’ contribution will enable Vital Regeneration to purchase high quality audio-visual and digital media equipment to support our youth media programmes.  Through this we can support the development of youth volunteers on our Re-Evolve project, enhancing their employability and life skills and helping their progress into further education, jobs or apprenticeships.”
 
Throughout 2009, staff at BNP Paribas supported Vital Regeneration through volunteering on the charity’s various projects as well as fundraising through various initiatives ranging from Football Fundraisers to running in the London Half Marathon.  Robert Jenkins, Head of Corporate Communications at BNP Paribas, commented, “BNP Paribas is committed to investing in key partners within our local community that inspire and drive social and economic change.  Vital Regeneration’s distinctive and innovative programmes are reflective of the culture of BNP Paribas and will provide a range of volunteering opportunities for the bank’s staff to get involved and make a difference in their local community.”
 
Vital Regeneration’s Chief Executive, Angela McConville said, “We are thrilled to be working with the team at BNP Paribas and extremely grateful for their support.  BNP Paribas are a pioneer in local giving and have an innovative approach to Corporate Social Responsibility.  We look forward to continuing to work together with them in partnership to make a real difference in the lives of some of the most socially excluded residents in Westminster.”