Standard Bank support Durrell

James Qualtrough | September 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

Staff from Standard Bank are swapping their St Helier office for the Orangutans and Gibbons enclosure at Durrell this week to help kick-start a refurbishment programme of the area.

Organised as part of Standard Bank’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the four day project will involve 80 staff who will take time out from their work week to provide hands-on support to the team at Durrell.

Standard Bank’s staff will help to prepare the ground on one of the Orangutan islands within the enclosure by cutting back overgrown trees and shrubs, removing the existing climbing frames and ensure the area is clear, ready for the new plants and structures. The refurbishment programme is being funded by a private donation, however, Standard Bank pledged additional support and manpower to Durrell to get the project off the ground.

Claire Reid, Head of Marketing & Communications, Standard Bank explained the significance of the project: “Durrell Wildlife Park is at the heart of the Jersey community and means a great deal to all of us who live and work in the Island. It is therefore our pleasure to lend a helping hand and work on the re-landscaping project within the Orangutan area as part of our anniversary celebrations this year. This is an excellent team building activity outside of the usual office routine, and one I am sure will be memorable.”

“Standard Bank has had a presence in Jersey for 20 years and over that time we’ve built some strong partnerships with key Jersey organisations. Each year our staff volunteer their time to enhance our contribution and this year we are working with Durrell, an organisation which has a local presence and a global network like us. The project gives us an opportunity to support an important cause in a small but meaningful way, and at the same time create a stimulating new environment for these critically endangered animals.”

Standard Bank staff will work at Durrell from Monday 17th September to Thursday 20th September from 9.30am to 4pm.