As part of Clarien’s ongoing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), the bank is pleased to announce its backing for OUTBermuda, a registered charity which supports the LGBTQ community in Bermuda, through a donation of $10,000.

Starting in October, the bank will introduce several new D&I initiatives internally to increase awareness, enable open and honest communication amongst its staff and further drive accountability throughout the organization. Clarien has pledged to continue creating safe spaces where all team members can feel respected and comfortable bringing their full selves to work. The $10,000 donation to OUTBermuda made this week is just one of the actionable steps the bank is making to take a stand for diversity and inclusion.

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, said: “Diversity and Inclusion is of the utmost importance to us at Clarien and we continue to implement policies and a robust framework that embrace and support equality in the workplace for our employees, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

“We are honoured to support OUTBermuda with a $10,000 donation and believe in the incredible work they do to educate residents on the importance of diversity and inclusion for all people. This is a particularly exciting time in the Island’s history as many local residents and visitors prepare to celebrate the inaugural Bermuda Pride Parade tomorrow [August 31, 2019].

“Throughout Hamilton, a growing number of businesses have shown their backing of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda – and Clarien is no exception. We encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take time out to learn more about OUTBermuda and the essential work they’re doing to better Bermuda.”

Speaking for OUTBermuda, Board Member Zakiya Johnson Lord said: “We are deeply grateful to Clarien Bank for their generous support for OUTBermuda’s mission. Through our work, we believe that every single LGBTQ person in Bermuda deserves love, dignity and equality in life. These funds not only help support our critical programming, but help to build a better and more accepting Bermuda for all of us.”

OUTBermuda, which officially became a registered charity in May 2016, seeks to raise awareness about issues in the LGBTQ community on the Island – such as workplace inclusiveness, bullying in schools and unequal treatment under the law. The not-for-profit provides educational resources on issues such as diversity, inclusiveness, awareness and acceptance as it relates to LGBTQ people; it also seeks generally to advance human rights, conflict resolution and the promotion of equality and diversity relating to the LGBTQ community on the Island.

As a community-focused and client-driven company, Clarien gives generously to charitable causes throughout the year. This past April, the Bank donated $106,000 to six not-for-profit organisations including The Reading Clinic, Family Centre, PALS, WindReach Bermuda, Team Hurricane Basketball Academy and the Construction Association of Bermuda. Additionally, in June the Bank made a donation of $10,000 to athletic support charity The Flora Fund, founded by hometown hero Flora Duffy. The donations were all made through The Clarien Foundation, a charitable trust that oversees all charitable efforts and donations made by Clarien.