August 18, 2020

Dear Sheru,

It has been a tough year for us and we are fortunate to be in a position to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. But the COVID-19 outbreak has taken a heavy toll on several sections of our society. As you are aware, the government and various other institutions are working relentlessly to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country and provide assistance to the needy. Their efforts can be strengthened by offering monetary support to allow them to fulfil their commitments and help more of those affected by the pandemic.

BNP Paribas has decided to run its annual APAC Fundraising Campaign across the region between now and November and to, exceptionally, enable campaigns to kick off in a staggered way based on local conditions. Due to the pandemic, employees in India can personally donate to Covid-related charities chosen by their respective India-based CSR teams this year.

Sharekhan has always been at the forefront of philanthropic activities. This year, we have organised India Fundraising Campaign 2020 to raise funds for two local organisations:

• PM CARES Fund
  This is a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, eg the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide relief to the affected.
• Womenite
  It is a youth-led social initiative committed to bringing about social changes related to women’s issues like menstrual health, child abuse and gender equality. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a big sanitary pad crisis among the teenage female students from the lower strata of the society as they used to get sanitary napkins from their school every month before the lockdown (read more about it here). The funds collected will go towards providing sanitary pads to the underprivileged women and girls.

How to donate
It is easy. You tell us what you wish to contribute by clicking the link below and we will deduct it from your August or September salary of this year, as per your choice.

You may contribute in one of three ways:

1. An ad hoc amount from your salary
2. One or more days’ salary (will be deducted from your CTC)
3. One or more days’ leave (will be deducted from your basic salary)

You may donate to one or both the organisations by specifying the percentage of your total contribution you wish to donate to each.

BNP Paribas will match every US$1 that you donate, with all local matching in India to be channeled to Room to Read, a long-term charity partner of the Bank not only domestically but across APAC. In sustaining our support to Room to Read, we will continue to build on the momentum that has enabled thousands of underprivileged girls to continue to receive an education, support that is more critical than ever today.

You will also qualify for tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for contributing to the fundraiser campaign and receive an 80G certificate for your donation.

You will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm the amount before the deduction is made from your salary.

I urge you to donate to your maximum capacity. The programme ends on September 18, 2020.

Thank you.

Best regards,

Shankar Vailaya,
Director