Vital Regeneration is working with BNP Paribas to further develop its 'Eco Kids Clubs'; an after school initiative that works with children in some of Westminster's poorest areas.  The continuation of this programme has been made possible thanks to a donation of £30,000 by the bank.

The clubs are delivered in 14 schools and reach over 400 children aged 7-11yrs every year.  Children are taught about climate change and other environmental issues through fun, creative activities.  The project promotes environmental values and considers each child a potential 'Ambassador for Sustainability'.

The children are also encouraged to promote their 'Green Credentials' at home and at school.  Marie Monaghan, Vital Regeneration's Sustainability Manager says; 'We believe that by engaging children in environmental issues from an early age, we will help them to live a more sustainable and healthy life.  It is our hope that they acquire a positive environmental attitude, which will filter through to the wider community and right on into future generations' 

Emma Oliver, BNP Paribas, Community and Charity Programme Manager says; 'We are proud to be funding Vital Regeneration's after school programme.  Knowing that BNP Paribas is helping to encourage disadvantaged children to take part in environmental and healthy living activities is very rewarding and will hopefully help to drive social and economic change in their neighbourhoods'.

'Eco Kids Clubs' is just one of the projects being led by Vital Regeneration to promote a greener way of life.  The charity has also been working in partnership with Westminster City Council to promote reuse, recycling and community composting to residents through activities such as 'Give and Take Days', 'Swishing' events, 'Re-design your Recycling Bin' projects and community fun days.'

'Our approach is to be a local 'community anchor', we work in partnership with local people and local organisations to develop long-lasting solutions which address poverty and disadvantage.  Through our work we support people who are homeless, the elderly, disadvantaged young people and families and children', concludes Angela McConville, Vital Regeneration, Chief Executive

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Notes to Editors:

For press enquiries and images please contact: rash@vitalregen.org

Vital Regeneration

Vital Regeneration is a registered charity working to transform London's most deprived neighbourhoods.  They develop social, environmental and economic programmes, so that people and communities fulfill their potential through learning, employment and enterprise.  Their vision is for everyone to have equal expectations and opportunities in life and not to be seriously disadvantaged by where they live.

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) is one of the best rated banks in the world*.  The Group has a presence in more than 80 countries and more than 200,000 employees, including more than 160,000 in Europe.  It ranks highly in its three core activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions and Corporate & Investment Banking.  In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending.

Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model across the Europe-Mediterranean zone and boasts a large network in the western part of the United States.  In its Corporate & Investment Banking and Investment Solutions activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas and solid and fast-growing businesses in Asia.  *Rated AA- by Standard & Poor's.