National Bank of Oman (NBO), the first local bank in the Sultanate, is committed to investing in society and giving back to the community.

The bank is proud to have a considerable number of ‘NBO Employee Volunteers’ who dedicate their time to giving back to the community. This trend is strongly backed and encouraged by the bank’s management.

As part of NBO’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, NBO Employee Volunteer Teams have been making daily ‘road trips’ throughout the various regions of the Sultanate as part of the bank’s Ramadhan Campaign 2012, "A’Rahma Iftar Sa'im Road Trips”, organised by Muzn — NBO’s Islamic Banking Window.

During the Daily Road Trips, NBO Employee Volunteers distribute ‘Muzn Iftar Sa’im Boxes’ filled with essential food items and treats for children, for needy families, in the various regions.

The successful launch, and positive feedback from members of the community, has further encouraged NBO to increase the number of road trips. Employee Volunteers are willingly to come forward to get involved.

Hassan Abdul Amir Shaban, NBO’s Head of Government Relations and Banking, lead the team on day 2. The convoy of four Muzn branded vehicles began the distribution of the Iftar Sa’im Boxes in Hamriya and went on towards Al Amerat, and finally ended the day in Muttrah Corniche. It was a picturesque end to a trip that heartened all employee volunteers. They truly bonded with the families they visited and felt humbled by the stories they were told during the visits.

Muna al Masroori — NBO’s Regional Manager of Muscat South and her team, put in extra effort and helped in locating the families in the region.

On the third day, Stephen Clayton, NBO’s Chief Risk Officer, led the Employee Volunteer team. He began the day by personally helping to lift the boxes and load vehicles for the trip. The eager volunteers’ commenced distribution of the Muzn Iftar Sa’im Boxes in the Dakhiliyah Governorate, from Nizwa and concluding in Bahla — supported all the way by Mohammed Nawaz al Balushi, NBO’s Regional Manager — Dakhiliyah and Dhahirah governorates and his team.

Nasser al Hajri, NBO’s Chief Human Resources Officer, led the employee volunteer team towards Barka, on day four. Adil al Shirawi, NBO’s Regional Manager — Batinah Governorate and his team, played a crucial role in ensuring that the boxes were distributed to truly deserving families. The trip began in Barka, followed by Wadi al Maawal, Al Awabi and concluded in Al Rustaq. It was particularly special to many members of the team, as some of them have their roots in that region and felt that charity actually begins ‘at home’.

“The experience made me truly proud of being part of NBO. The team work and spirit with which this initiative is being handled is indeed heartening to witness personally. It has brought me closer to reality. I am honoured to be part of this initiative and support it wholeheartedly. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our employee volunteers and our Head of CSR, who has put together this initiative and is always available on the ground”, added Nasser al Hajri, NBO’s Chief Human Resource Officer.