A DAY out of the office did a Reading bank manager the world of good, and she also managed to do good at the same time.
Rebekah Burke, the business development manager for Metro Bank in Broad Street, benefitted from the firm’s Day To Amaze scheme. This allows staff members to take time out to help a charity or good cause.
She chose to volunteer at the Battle of the Proms event organised by armed forces charity SSAFA, and held at Blenheim Palace.
The charity helps provide support to personnel who have left the forces and joined ‘Civvy Street’ and need help to adjust their lives, be it physical or emotional care.
“This particular charity event is close to my heart as my husband served in the British Army for ten years as a civil engineer,” Ms Burke said.
“He frequently tells me of his experience whilst being summoned to the battlefield which is incredibly moving to hear about the reality of what takes place on the fields and certainly not for the faint-hearted.
“Volunteering at this event to help promote the work of SSAFA was truly rewarding and I talked and engaged with different categories and ranks of the military from the Sea Cadets The British Army, Royal Marines and The Royal Navy.
“It is fantastic that Metro Bank gives us a paid day off to volunteer and the Bank is a big supporter of the Armed Forces.”
The musical event was a big success.
“On the day, SSAFA raised £10,927.28 which will go towards helping the servicemen and women, veterans and their families wherever and whenever they need the support,” Mr Burke added.
Earlier this month, Metro Bank was named in the 100 Great British Employers of Veterans. Four years ago, Metro Bank signed the Armed Forces Covenant and since then the Bank has been recognised as a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award Winner.
Reading Metro Bank is also part of the Safe Space scheme – the store is available to anyone experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse, providing the opportunity to safely call a helpline, support service or loved one.
