the ruins of tematín castle will be saved thanks to čsob employees

November 15, 2011 - The preservation of Tematín castle, internet banking courses, the use of a debit card by blind people, or a monoski course for physically disabled people are all among the projects that were supported by ČSOB Financial Group employees via the Endowment Fund of Pontis Foundation. 

“Altogether 152 non-governmental organizations and schools sent their applications within the fifth annual Employee Grant Program, which is designed to support projects in the field of the education, sport, health and environmental protection. In the end, we have decided to aid seventeen applicants, to whom we will distribute the total amount of 28,275 Euros,” said Marieta Kováčová, Program Coordinator at Pontis Foundation. One of the successful projects was “Severák” prepared by the civic association Tematín Castle, which carried out the preservation works last year in order to save the ruin of the castle. 

“The association also plans to repair the masonry ruins of the castle, realize archaeological research, and to remove illegal campfires and rubbish from the area,” explained Marieta Kováčová. The financial aid will also be given to physically disabled people from The Sport Club “ Ďumbier”. Consequently, they will be able to take a monoski course, which is a good way to keep themselves in good physical condition and improve their health. At the same time blind young people from Prešov will be able to learn how to use the internet banking without other people's assistance. “The project is aimed at enhancing financial literacy, and therefore will include a series of lectures on saving money,” added Marieta Kováčová. The project is designed to support non-governmental organizations recommended by ČSOB employees. The essential requirement was that the employees know the applicants, and actively cooperate with them. The mininum grant amount was 2,000 Euros. 

“We're pleased that we were able to contribute again to the realization of different kinds of innovative projects. We hope that all of the improvements and modernization prepared by the projects will significantly improve the life conditions to those who they were designed for,” said Rastislav Murgaš, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ČSOB Financial Group.