Can a handful of individuals lead a movement of change that saves the lives of people rushed to emergency rooms in hospitals in Jamaica, build a basic school for children without a place to learn, or construct homes for families living in barely standing structures? "Yes", they say. "We can do it!" It's called volunteerism; responding to the call to help a brother or sister in need. So say the Scotiabank Volunteers.

Scotiabank Volunteers have spent in excess of 120,000 volunteer hours in 2009 making the change possible, and they say they are committed to spreading this spirit across Jamaica.

Each month, this cadre of 1,000 individuals, from the executive to front-line staff, set aside a minimum of 120 hours to spend with the less fortunate in communities across Jamaica.

"We strongly believe that we can make a difference in the neighbour-hoods in which we work and live and so, at the individual level, we each commit to giving of ourselves on a one-on-one basis. It's ingrained in each of us."

Scotiabank, as an entity, strongly believes in contributing to its surrounding communities and supports this culture of volunteerism in its staff.

Community development

In November 2004, the Bank conceptualised and launched the Scotiabank Volunteers, with a vision that this team would become a cadre of committed staff members who would play an instrumental role in community development and nation-building.

Five years on, the Scotiabank Volunteers collectively participate in several national projects and spearhead several local community programmes to lend a helping hand to neighbours and non-govern-ment organisations.

"Our volunteers look forward each year to going into schools on Teachers' Day; children's homes or hospitals on Reading Day; and undertaking renovation or clean-up work for our Labour Day projects," said Debbie Clue, manager of corporate social responsibility. "There is an energy and buzz that's created and it seems to regenerate their spirit, fosters great teamwork and build tighter bonds between us as colleagues."

Scotiabank seeks to involve its customers, suppliers and other corporate friends in their projects.

"In executing any volunteer project, we invite other partners to join us by giving of their time and any other resource which they can provide," Clue said. "We are trying to be a catalyst for change, encouraging all Jamaicans to embrace the concept of giving back. The impact of partnerships is tremendous and long lasting."

She added that the bank was also exploring the idea of helping other companies establish foundations, which can help in giving back, to satisfy some of the immense need which exists across the island.

The bank is also committed to working annually with other organisations such as the Salvation Army, Food for the Poor, The Jamaica Cancer Society and The Shaggy Make a Difference Found-ation. The Scotiabank Volunteers lend financial and human resources to make it possible to achieve the vision of these entities to create a better Jamaica.

"The work of the volunteers has become well known locally, so much so that the Scotiabank Volunteers have developed a strong, well recognised 'brand'," Clue said. "As a result, we are seeing a sharp increase in the number of organisations calling on us to help them execute their charitable projects."

Hands-on approach

Rebecca Packer, director of the Shaggy foundation, one of the major organisations the volunteers have worked with, said "the Scotia Volunteers have worked with us at the Shaggy & Friends Benefit Concert, as well as Shaggy's Annual Christmas treat at Bustamante Children's Hospital and their hands-on approach is commendable."

She added: "They truly reach out and immerse themselves in each project, helping to achieve the mission."

Marie Miller, Scotiabank retiree and volunteer, said she has been fortunate to benefit from the goodwill of others and that she strongly feels a responsibility to reciprocate.

"Volunteering allows me to help others; it builds relationships; it fosters goodwill; it feels good," she declared.

Scotiabank's vision for its volunteer corps is to have all staff within the Scotiabank Group join the group within the next three to five years and spread the culture of volunteerism even further, to all its suppliers, partners and in the communities in which Jamaicans live, work and play.

Scotiabank Volunteers feed children at the Sir Clifford Campbell Primary School for World Food Day.

Scotiabank Volunteers from the corporate and commercial banking teams, construct a home for the Bravo family in St Thomas as part of its community outreach. - Contributed