Lalita Advani and Keiko Akashi, our colleagues at the Credit Suisse Americas Foundation, recently sat down and answered some questions about their partnership with Mad. Sq. Park and the plethora of volunteer activities that we organize together.

Can you give us a little background information on how the Credit Suisse volunteer program began?

The Credit Suisse Americas Foundation’s mission is inspired by the long-standing commitment of Credit Suisse and its employees to improve the communities in which we live and work and the belief that we can make a bigger difference by giving more than money – by utilizing the time and talents of our key assets – our employees. The Foundation’s investment in employee volunteering, which began in earnest in 2004, has seen tremendous results where now in 2010 over 5,000 employees across Credit Suisse in the Americas, almost 50% of our employees, contributed almost 60,000 hours to over 400 nonprofit organizations.

What kinds of volunteer activities does Credit Suisse offer?

Credit Suisse offers volunteer activities that build skills, enhance leadership, and promote teamwork. We coordinate one-time engagement activities which include building homes, restoring and brightening schools, revitalizing parks and gardens, serving meals to the needy, packaging and sorting foods, and assisting in special events for children in poverty. We also coordinate skills-based volunteer activities that allow employees to use their personal expertise to benefit the community. Some examples are mentoring and/or tutoring a student, conducting career prep activities such as resume writing, and preparing tax returns for low-income families.

How does the volunteer program work?

The Foundation forms strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations that require volunteers to fulfill their mission like Madison Square Park and provides volunteering opportunities all-year round to employees who wish to participate.  Employees across Credit Suisse in New York can sign up to volunteer for opportunities which are advertised weekly through an email to all staff.  In addition, the Foundation works with departments across the bank in NY, and different cities across the Americas, to build a volunteering calendar which individuals in a specific department or city sign up for based on the interests of the department or city.  Credit Suisse’s volunteer program also heavily supports employees who volunteer individually or in teams which charities of their choice through our Employee Volunteer Grant program where employees can apply for grants after they volunteer.

What made Credit Suisse employees get involved with Madison Square Park?

Credit Suisse as a firm has played an important role in supporting the development of Madison Square Park.  We make an annual financial gift, donate in-kind office space and provide employee volunteers to help in maintaining this beautiful park.  Many walk through or take their lunch breaks at the park on a daily basis and want to help keep the historic park bright, beautiful and active for all to enjoy.

How many people from Credit Suisse annually volunteer with Madison Square Park?

In 2010, we had 176 volunteers donate their time at 7 different volunteering events in Madison Square Park.  We also have a senior executive who serves on Madison Square Park’s board of directors providing strategic advice as needed.

What kinds of volunteer activities does Credit Suisse do with Madison Square Park?

We participate in spring, summer and fall plantings, special events such as Celebrate Flatiron Chefs and Kids Fest, helping prepare for the annual appeal mailing and decorating the park for the holiday season.

Of those activities, what would you say is the favorite of the volunteers?

Of the activities above, Celebrate Flat Iron Chefs event is the most popular. This year we had 50 volunteers confirmed for the event with 60+ on waitlist! The employees really enjoy helping make special events, like Celebrate Flat Iron Chefs, happen. They have the opportunity to assist chefs, be key runners in restocking supplies and at the same time enjoy the atmosphere and great food. This event is a huge draw for our volunteers!

What kinds of activities would you like to do with MSPC in 2012?

We would love to continue to assist Madison Square Park with their seasonal planting. Employees enjoy the special events and the decorating as well. However, we welcome any new projects where volunteers are needed. As true partners, we want to work with Madison Square Park Conservancy in any way that benefits their organization and their historic park.