The Manx Wildlife Trust is delighted to have gained the support of HSBC Bank plc in Douglas. The Bank has joined the Trust as a Gold Corporate member and in recognition of this, recently invited the charity’s Wildflowers of Mann Project Manager, Andree Dubbeldam to give a presentation to staff to coincide with World Environment Day 2011. World Environment Day is an annual event that is run by the United Nations to encourage worldwide environmental awareness. In support of this year’s theme of forestry, Andree’s presentation focused on local, ancient woodlands: their history, development and the action being taken by the Manx Wildlife Trust to help ensure their conservation. On the same day, the Bank encouraged staff to “Wear Something Green for Wildlife” to demonstrate their commitment to the charity. This event raised a welcome ?120 for Trust funds. Commenting on the Bank’s decision to assist the Manx Wildlife Trust, Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager HSBC Isle of Man, said, “The Bank aims to invest in local communities wherever it has a presence in the world, with particular emphasis on education and the environment. We have been very impressed by the valuable nature conservation work carried out around the Island by the Manx Wildlife Trust and are pleased to be able to support the charity both financially and practically.” Kevin went on to say, “Going forward, we’re keen for our staff to get involved with the charity’s work. The Bank is now allowing its employees time off to volunteer with a charity of their choice and so, later this year, we hope that some of them will take the opportunity to help the Manx Wildlife Trust with a project on one of their local nature reserves.” The charity’s Fundraising and Wildlife Advocacy Officer, Anne Marie Kilgallon, said, “We are very grateful to HSBC, and indeed all of our Corporate members, for their generosity. Thanks to their support, the Trust is able to continue to further its aim of acquiring and managing nature reserves and safe sites for wildlife and conserving some of the best habitats and species on the Isle of Man.” Ends