FUTURE LEADERS IN PHILANTHROPY PROJECT NEW LAUNCH DATE SET

Credit Suisse (Gibraltar) Limited and The Bonita Trust of Gibraltar are proud to announce the launch for the second intake of their jointly funded project "Future Leaders in Philanthropy" (FLIP) on 18th November 2009 at Westside School, open to all Year 12 students who have attained at least 5 A's at GCSE level.

Aimed at local students aged sixteen and over, FLIP is a 3-year project which has been established to raise awareness and understanding of social responsibility amongst this age group. The project seeks to educate teenagers about the value and societal benefits of philanthropic gift-giving, as well as teaching them how to manage their own charitable funds.

Highlights of the project include management of a Euro 5 million virtual philanthropic investment portfolio and a charity fundraising project, through which the participants gain a real insight into charities and the way they work.

The FLIP students are required to undertake various assignments of a charitable and financial nature over the course of 3 years, for which they will receive financial rewards and gifts. Participants are also able to select a charity of their choice to receive donations and for whom they will complete a fundraising project.

The students are also learning about the financial markets and are running their own virtual financial portfolios, guided by their Credit Suisse mentors. These are all doing remarkably well!

Speaking on behalf of The Bonita Trust, founding member of the International Advisory Board member, Ruth Parasol-DeLeon commented, "Since 2004, The Bonita Trust has supported numerous charitable projects in Gibraltar, aimed at many different groups within our society. As well as providing a challenge for our high academic achievers in schools, the FLIP project allows the students to acquire a sense of their social responsibility. We are delighted with the results as the students have come up with some very inventive ideas to help their chosen charities."

Trino Cruz from Credit Suisse remarked, "As part of our pledge to corporate citizenship, Credit Suisse is proud of its partnership with The Bonita Trust which has ensured such a successful start for FLIP. The excellent response and high level of involvement of all students and the invaluable support received from all involved, has made FLIP an exceptional community initiative so well tailored to Gibraltar itself."

Headteachers and the Director of Education, speaking after discussions with the Gibraltar Ministry for Education, said this is an exciting project for their pupils, and participation in it would not only help them personally, but would also enhance their future university and career applications.

The students are currently engaged in planning individual charity fundraising events and The Bonita Trust and Credit Suisse hope that the public will support their efforts to raise as much money as possible. All funds raised by the students will be matched by The Bonita Trust, resulting in twice as much money for local charities.

For further information please contact moe.cohen@bonitatrust.org

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