At FirstBank, we SPARK kindness.
SPARK is simply an acronym for Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness. It is part of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability activities of FirstBank. It is a value-based initiative designed to reignite our once-cherished moral values, which appear to be eroding fast. It seeks to create and reinforce the attitude of going beyond just meeting the material needs of people who cannot help themselves, to showing compassion, love, empathy, and affection.
The maiden edition kicked off in 2017 and SPARK has since then affected the lives of more than 40,000 beneficiaries spread across western Africa. SPARK aims at institutionalising giving back to the community where we carry out our business as part of our corporate responsibilities as an organisation.
The SPARK initiative is hinged on three (3) pillars which are compassion, civility, and charity; the same values ingrained in FirstBank’s DNA and culture. These values have been implemented via SPARK Schools engagement, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week, Advocacy campaign, SPARK Amplification, infrastructure development and endowment, FutureFirst and E-Learning initiative and which has resulted the following impact over the years:
1. About 15 Blocks of different Educational Institutions in Nigeria renovated to aid conducive learning of the students.
2. Funded research projects in 10 different Colleges of Education and Universities in Nigeria.
3. More than 30,000 lives and 83 orphanages, IDP camps and NGOs/institutions impacted through the initiative.
4. 260,000 students have benefited from financial literacy and entrepreneurship engagements over the years.
5. Over 54,000 people, 80 charities and 23 projects in 8 countries where FirstBank footprints are situated has felt the SPARK.
6. Above all, FirstBank Staff has volunteered a total of 71,015 hours to pursue the SPARK cause.
From education of young people to catering to widows, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities as well as donations and support to specific areas of interest, SPARK has truly left an indelible mark in the lives of different people. Some of the beneficiaries includes but not limited to; The Down Syndrome Foundation; Sickle Cell Foundation; National Association of the Blind; Nigeria Red Cross Society; Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted; International Women Society etc.
In 2023, FirstBank took SPARK up a notch with planting of trees. The Bank in partnership with National Conservation Foundation aims at planting 50,000 trees by 2026 and this past SPARK outreach had Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer FirstBank Group and Abdullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director Public Sector, with the host of other staff of the Bank kickstart this initiative with planting of trees in Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos and Government Secondary School, Maitama Abuja respectively.
Kindness is not just an act; it is a way of living. The Bank has proven, over and again, the level of its commitment to showing kindness. We therefore specially invite you to join us on this cause of kindness. It could be to give out that cloth or shoe to someone with little or none or helping your next-door neighbor with food or water or simply to treat everyone you meet with compassion, civility, charity, and empathy. The most important thing is that you don’t watch the next person go through a pain you could have helped ease.
For more information and how to be part of the next SPARK outreach, click here https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/home/impact/ to join.
You First
FirstBank
References
https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/the-spark-of-kindness-impacting-communities-through-firstbank-staff-initiatives/ Ladybird Limited
