Head of Consumer Banking, Owen Belman, has raised more than AED 500,000 for the Abu Dhabi Special Care Centre (SCC). The donation is the largest from an employee of the Bank to date and will enable the SCC to build a new school and increase its capacity, providing education to over double the current student intake.

Owen kick-started the fundraising campaign in April when he pledged to raise USD 100,000 through an Ironman challenge, where top tri-athletes from around the world compete in an adventurous swim, bike race and marathon. The overwhelming support from colleagues, customers, family and friends helped Owen raise more than two and a half times the sum he had originally pledged.

Talking about his experience, Owen said, “The Ironman challenges in Idaho, US and Perth, Australia were gruelling but very rewarding experiences. What kept me going was the support I received from the Bank and friends around the world and knowing that the money is going to the Special Care Centre, which is truly a worthy cause. It has been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see what the school will look like once it is finished.”

The SSC looks after children suffering from both mental and physical disabilities. It started in 1989 looking after just ten children and now cares for almost 70 children from various backgrounds and nationalities. With a growing waiting list and having reached full capacity, the Centre needs to build new premises to accommodate more children with special needs.

Isabelle Le Bon, Head of Fundraising for the SCC said, “We are impressed by the drive and passion demonstrated by Owen Belman and we are grateful to him for this fantastic initiative. We are eternally grateful to Standard Chartered Bank and all those who believed and donated money to help the Centre.”

Owen presented a cheque to Nisha Thomas, the SCC’s Head of Education and Training, for the final amount at a presentation ceremony held by the SCC on December 6th 2007, to thank those who have helped raise money for the new school. The Bank, which focuses on local community initiatives looking at youth, health and education, has given its full support to the Centre’s school programme.

In 2008, Standard Chartered Bank will continue to support the SSC by raising money for further building works. Jeremy Parrish, CEO Abu Dhabi and Al Ain added “We strive to be the right partner to the Special Care Centre by Leading by Example. We are committed to the communities we operate in and strongly believe in supporting the education and healthy development of the children in Abu Dhabi.”