I have been the CEO of CARE France since 2000. Why did I choose CARE? Everything about it convinced me: the way its approach is based on involving and empowering local communities, the universal and holistic efforts directed at the root causes of poverty, and the effectiveness of independent offices with local, professional teams... Our programmes are particularly focused on the role of women.  These are important values, which I believe in.

Who are we? CARE is one of the world's three biggest aid agencies, it is non-religious and non-political, and is made up of 14 national bodies all working together to implement more than 1,000 projects in nearly 70 countries. We respond to humanitarian emergencies and run development projects (micro-credit, education, health, food security, water-access and so on).

CARE France is a public service association, as defined by the law of 1901, and is funded by increasing numbers of private donors (you!) as well as the European Union and companies. Société Générale plays a special role, as one of CARE France’s most important company partners, and the partnership has just been renewed for a further three years.

For me, the striking thing about this partnership is our common ambition. To achieve change in the field of education, our commitment to children must be consistent and long term. Renewing our partnership is our commitment to that long term. It’s building a solid foundation for nearly 10,000 children. This vital support will enable us to run four education projects on three continents, and extend a project in Benin.

Another special feature of this partnership is employees' involvement. Thanks to individual efforts and through joint sporting challenges like the sponsored bike-ride from Paris to London (click here for the video) which involved more than 90 participants in 2010, over €500,000 has been raised over three years. It’s a remarkable demonstration of solidarity from individuals, for which we are very grateful.  CARE and Société Générale employees have made some strong bonds: with project visits, carefully targeted mentoring and of course collections.
Our hope?  That even more employees from the group will get involved, alongside other bank stake-holders (customers, suppliers); we would like to work together in the field of corporate social responsibility.
The company is made up of the men and women who bring it to life. Without you it would not exist. Without you, we would not be able to run these five education projects: a big thank you to everyone supporting us.