Citi volunteers in Hungary commemorate company's 200th anniversary on annual Global Community Day

June 13, 2012

Citi highlighted its ongoing and long-standing commitment to helping communities by marking its 200th anniversary on Saturday, June 16 with its seventh annual Global Community Day. In 92 countries around the world, 100,000 Citi volunteers - the largest number of participants ever - gathered in the days leading up to and including Global Community Day to participate in 1,300 service projects that benefit local communities.

In Budapest, Citibank Hungary volunteers worked together to enhance the circumstances of close to 120 children and young people aged 3-24 living in the Cseppkő Children's Home in Budapest. The volunteer work extended to painting, gardening and park cleaning. Children were very happy to meet Adrienn Nagy and Bozont Kristóf Nagy, two from the top 12 contestants in the popular talent show Megasztár sponsored by Citibank who have also joined the Citibank team. Citibank Hungary's long-term non-profit partner, United Way Hungary has helped setting up the local volunteer program.

The Citibank Hungary volunteer team at the 2012 Citi Global Community Day with Citi Country Officer Batara Sianturi and dr. Krisztián Herczeg, Head of Cseppkő Children's Home shaking hands in the centre

Global Community Day serves as an annual opportunity for Citi employees, alumni, family and friends around the world to gather as one to demonstrate a shared commitment to its communities - a commitment that is carried out year-round by many employees who regularly volunteer their time. This shared commitment has been embodied in Citi employees since the company was established in 1812. It's that spirit of Common Purpose that Citi proudly celebrates on its 200th anniversary.

"For two centuries, Citi colleagues have worked to enable economic progress and support our clients on their journey from ambition to achievement," said Citi CEO Vikram Pandit. "There is no better way to celebrate our 200th anniversary than by honoring our history, embracing the future, and working together to strengthen the communities where we live and work."

Citibank Hungary volunteers paint the corridors in a block of flats belonging to the Cseppkő Children's Home

Batara Sianturi, Citi Country Officer for Hungary said, "I am pleased that I had the opportunity to join the Citibank Hungary Team for the seventh year in a row. This year our team worked together to improve the environment of children living in one of Hungary's largest children's homes and we are all confident that the healthy and clean conditions can significantly contribute to their development. At the same time it was great to see how our colleagues dedicated their time and demonstrated tremendous team efforts in order to make a difference."

Dr. Krisztián Herczeg, Head of Cseppkő Children's Home has also remarked, "We highly appreciate the visible improvement in the environment of our institution as a result of the volunteer work. I was especially pleased to see some of the volunteers bringing their children with them to the community day. I believe this great initiative highly contributes to enhancing the volunteer spirit in Hungary and there is a huge demand for volunteer support in many areas."

Citibank volunteers clean the park of the children's home on 16 June

Citi volunteers throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and North America lent their time, skills and expertise to concentrate on local community needs, including financial inclusion, college and career mentoring, neighborhood revitalization, housing, disaster relief and environmental protection. Throughout the world, anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest Global Community Day news and events can follow #200YearsCiti on Twitter and information on the program in Hungary is also available on Citibank Hungary's Facebook site.