Clarien Bank has launched its 14th annual Holiday GiveBack Campaign.

The bank is encouraging clients, employees and the community to make donations this holiday season to benefit Meals on Wheels.

The Clarien Foundation will match, to a capped amount, all donations made through December 31, 2020 at the Clarien Reid Street, Hamilton branch or online.

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s chief digital and marketing officer, said: “In the midst of a global pandemic and economic recession, more than ever people in our community need our compassion and support.

“Every dollar received through this campaign will go straight to Meals on Wheels, helping the charity to continue its important work in the community in these challenging times.”

Since 2010, Clarien Bank’s Holiday GiveBack campaign has raised more than $100,000 for Meals on Wheels. The charity, which is known for delivering between 180 and 200 freshly cooked lunches island-wide four days a week to the sick, elderly and disabled, also supplies 80 frozen meal replacements for Thursdays and weekends.

Peter Smith, president of Meals on Wheels, said: “Covid-19 has placed extraordinary demands on charities and Meals on Wheels is no exception.

“Volunteer turnover has been much greater than usual and many of our clients who could once afford to pay something towards the cost of a meal can no longer do so.

“These two dynamics are not likely to change in the near future and so we are very grateful for the continuing support we have received in both volunteer participation and financial contributions that is enabling us to maintain our full service during these difficult times.”

Any member of the public can donate as follows:

• Use one of the Holiday GiveBack quick deposit envelopes available at Clarien Bank’s main branch at 19 Reid Street, Hamilton

• Make a donation directly to a teller at Clarien Bank’s main branch

• Transfer funds to Clarien’s Holiday GiveBack account, number 4010060068

All donations for the Clarien Holiday GiveBack Programme must be received by 4pm on December 31, 2020.

• For more information, e-mail giveback@clarienbank.com or call 296-6969