ING starts corporate UNICEF volunteer program

In year three of the ING Chances for Children program, ING has extended its support to UNICEF by launching the ING Corporate UNICEF volunteer program where ING expertise (e.g. webmaster, IT-specialist) can improve the reach and success of UNICEF projects in Brazil, Ethiopia and India.

By meeting the needs of UNICEF field offices, ING will lend more ammunition to the children organization of the United Nations in its fight against illiteracy. Starting with a one-year pilot phase, ING anticipates sending between 10 and 20 employees each year on short UNICEF volunteer assignments to the mentioned countries. Assignments will become available as required by UNICEF field offices. Each assignment will require a specific skill set and an open mind to new cultures and experiences.

Erich Suni Melgar, an ING CfC staff member from Amsterdam, was sent on a 2-month assignment to a UNICEF field office in Columbia. Erich: “For me, the experience has been invaluable, both professionally and personally.

I had the opportunity to come into contact with courageous and resilient children who don’t benefit from the basic rights that many of us take for granted.

Working with children who have so little and whose future is ultimately uncertain and has made me realize how lucky I truly am.” For Heske Verburg, UNICEF Netherlands Global Relationship Manager, the value of ING's Corporate Volunteer program is undeniable. "ING's commitment to sending skilled ING employees to UNICEF field offices will enhance and improve the capacity of UNICEF. It will contribute to UNICEF's long-term goal of creating sustainable educational programs in countries where many children still do not have access to primary education."

Go to the ING Chances for Children site to read more about Erich’s experience or more information about available assignments and the value of corporate volunteering.