Date:26/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/26/stories/2007102660430200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Offering a helping hand

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: HSBC’s Helping Hands Mela, an annual event that brings non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the country to the bank’s premises, will be held from October 29 to November 3.

During this period, the bank invites local NGOs to come to its branches across the country and display their products, and arts and craft designs.

It gives NGOs and communities an opportunity to sell their products to its customers as well as the public. The proceeds of the sale will go towards supporting a charitable cause in communities where the NGO has a presence.

This is the seventh year of the mela.

Over 100 NGOs working for child welfare, development of tribal people, welfare of those with physical and mental disabilities, rural development and arts and crafts development will be participating in the event.

As many as 47 HSBC branches across 26 cities and HSBC Group companies at Pune, Mumbai and Chennai will be participating in the mela.

The HSBC branches in Bangalore are located on M.G. Road and Jayanagar.