OTP Group donates 2.2 million euros to voluntary organizations after floods in Slovenia

OTP Group donates 2.2 million euros to voluntary organizations after floods in Slovenia

OTP Group, which includes Nova KBM and SKB banka in Slovenia, will donate a total of 2.2 million euros to those in need. In addition to Nova KBM and SKB banka, the funds will also be contributed by the parent company, Hungarian OTP bank. SKB Bank and Nova KBM, as part of OTP Group, are already in the process of merging, demonstrating that they will continue to support a broader social environment that promotes charity, sustainability, and volunteering as one bank.

Nature has once again proven its supremacy in the past few days in Slovenia. The devastating floods and landslides, which are still happening, have connected tens of thousands of citizens.

Under the umbrella of the OTP Group, SKB Bank and Nova KBM, which have been in the process of merging since February this year, are also joining forces. The goal of the merger is not only the creation of a leading financial institution in the country, which will provide customers with high-quality banking services and products, but also to set a good example in terms of sustainability, governance, and charitable behavior of both the organization and its employees.

John Denhof, president of the board of Nova KBM: “In a crisis situation, Slovenia once again proved its unity. Through various volunteering and charity campaigns, we foster such culture also among the employees of Nova KBM. We have already extended solidarity aid to colleagues who have found themselves in unenviable situation. By introducing various mechanisms, we will continue to support them in the future as well. However, we also aim to work more broadly. It is noteworthy that the impacts of the merger between the two banks are also resonating in the realm of charity. Therefore, the underlying theme of donations within the OTP group will be the promotion of a culture of volunteering, assistance, and, consequently, ensuring the continuity of this impeccably organized system."

Anita Stojčevska, chief executive officer of SKB banka: Slovenia has faced a major natural disaster, and the consequences will only become clear in the coming weeks and months. It is important that we stand by each other and help one another in these difficult and unimaginable situations – as colleagues, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Within the SKB banka, in partnership with Nova KBM and the parent Group OTP, we have immediately provided assistance to our colleagues who have suffered damage. We are committed to supporting individuals, the economy, and the broader community in mitigating the aftermath of nature’s rampage. Consequently, we are allocating financial aid to voluntary organizations, which are consistently the first on the ground, providing selfless assistance in the face of such disasters. In moments like these, it is crucial to demonstrate through both words and actions that those affected are not alone."

The donation is intended for supporting first responders in flood zones, whose selfless efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property during times of natural disasters:

• Firefighters Association of Slovenia, which unites 1340 volunteer firefighting associations in the country with more than 160.000 members – more than 30.000 firefighters were involved in flood areas in the past two weeks,
• Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, which unites 17 volunteer mountain rescue associations with paramedics, pilots, mountain rescuers and rescue dog handlers, 843 members provide voluntary assistance in the most difficult areas during severe natural disasters,
• Slovenian Red Cross, to help people in towns and municipalities who have been left homeless, or whose homes have been damaged or rendered uninhabitable.

The entire OTP Group will continue to pay special attention to the support of such initiatives, to the alleviation of social difficulties, to sustainability and to volunteering.