Banking is all about serving the people. Bankers always strive to find ways to contribute to the economy, keep people’s savings safe, help them prosper and include them in the nation’s development. However, they also have another role to play, the social role. They go beyond their banking duties, come out of their desk and serve the people and community with love. They respond to the call of humanity.
What can be nobler than raising funds and contributing to organizations that work for the disadvantaged? This is their way of serving the people and society! It all started in 2011 when BRAC Bank pioneered the idea of a fundraising marathon, a first in the country, inspiring all coworkers to contribute to social causes voluntarily. The bank also commits to match the amount 100% from its CSR fund, which is then contributed to charitable organizations.
Since then, BRAC Bank coworkers have followed the philosophy of standing beside the less fortunate in society. Every year they organize the run full of passion and unwavering commitment, symbolizing the very brand promise of BRAC Bank. Over the last ten years, DOUR has created a distinctive mark as a coworkers-initiated CSR initiative.
It has also led to developing running habits among corporate executives and young people who are conscious about health and welling. Initially planned only for BRAC Bank officials, DOUR is now open to all, a gesture to involve the community and serve the people together. Now DOUR has earned a place in almanac of sports and running enthusiasts in Bangladesh.
One guest runner who finished 10th in a DOUR said: “I proudly hold my DOUR crest and tell my friends about the examples BRAC Bank is setting in Bangladesh. DOUR goes beyond humanitarian cause; the most important aspect is that it sends a wave of lifestyle change among the youth who now take up running passionately because of DOUR.”
DOUR is coming back again after a pandemic-induced break for two years. More than 5,000 bankers will brave the morning fog and cold this year to run for humanity on January 21, 2023 in Hatirjheel. BRAC Bank has donated more than BDT 1.50 crore to charities and distributed one lakh warm clothes under DOUR initiative. Social organizations like Diganta Memorial Cancer Foundation, Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Protibondhi Foundation, Subarta Trust, Thalassaemia Samity, CRP-Savar, Rights & Sight for Children, Deepshikha School, Changing Diabetes in Children-BIRDEM etc. are now better off after DOUR contribution.
BRAC Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Selim R.F. Hussain, said, “As a values-based organization belonging to the larger BRAC Family, corporate responsibility is embedded in the DNA of the Bank. I am encouraged to see the passion and spontaneity in our colleagues to contribute to society. DOUR is an amazing example of an employee-driven CSR initiative. We will take the annual marathon to a newer level in the coming years. We strongly believe we can make a difference in people’s lives.”
