About the Citigroup Corporate Challenge
The 'See the World' Citigroup Corporate Challenge is a program devised by The Fred Hollows Foundation and Citigroup. It was first trialed in 2003 in conjunction with Citigroup and raised more than $100,000, which will help to change the lives of disadvantaged people in local and global communities.
Why was it set up?
The program was set up so that:
- Citigroup management could implement an innovative program to build team spirit and promote their payroll giving program;
- The Fred Hollows Foundation would receive the vital funds it needs to run its international blindness prevention and Indigenous health programs;
- Disadvantaged people would have the opportunity to lead an independent and fulfilled life.
The Challenge offered nine lucky Citigroup employees an opportunity to travel to Nepal, Vietnam and the Northern Territory in Australia to see the work of The Foundation first hand and also have the adventure of a lifetime.
What would Citigroup get out of it?
Citigroup used the 'See the World' Corporate Challenge to promote their Workplace Giving Program - a program whereby employees can nominate to make donations to a wide range of charities, from their pre tax salary, including The Fred Hollows Foundation.
The Challenge also sought to:
- Promote staff loyalty;
- Provide personal development opportunities for staff;
- Increase team building opportunities;
- Generate internal and external publicity for all involved;
How did it work?
Having accepted the Challenge, a Citigroup steering committee took responsibility for promoting the initiative internally to employees through newsletters, postcards, emails, a computer screen saver and information sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Staff were encouraged to form or join a Challenge team - their target was to fundraise $8,000 (or more) for The Foundation.
To ensure that the program got up and running quickly, Citigroup created two opportunities for the team's efforts to be acknowledged and rewarded:
- The first three teams to raise $4,000 in the 'Dash for Cash' promotion were rewarded with one place per team on an adventure holiday to Vietnam in October 2003;
- The first six teams to raise $8,000 in the 'Team Challenge' were rewarded with one place per team on an adventure holiday to Nepal, Vietnam or the Northern Territory in 2004.
What was the timeline?
The 'See the World' Citigroup Corporate Challenge was launched nationally in June 2003 by Stephen Roberts, CEO Citigroup Global Corporate and Investment Banking Group. A series of information sessions were held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Teams were formed in July and the 'Dash for Cash' promotion was finalised in September. The 'Team Challenge' was finalised in December.
Was it successful?
YES! Management reported that all objectives for the program were achieved. In fact, targets for the 'Dash for Cash' and 'Team Challenge' were achieved beyond expectations and $100,000 was raised for The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Citigroup employees responded enthusiastically to the 'Team Challenge'. Seven teams registered and worked hard to reach their fundraising targets.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive with everyone feeling like a winner because they had the satisfaction of knowing that they set a goal and achieved a positive outcome.
"The best part of this experience was working within a team that you don't normally work with to achieve a common goal. Calling on all resources and having everyone pull together to make our dreams come true by raising so much money for people in need"
Nicole Heathershaw, Citigroup 'Team Challenge' See Vietnam Winner 
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Some of the fundraising activities teams undertook included:
- Sponsoring employees to participate in the Sydney City to Surf;
- Trivia nights;
- Themed employee parties;
- Penalising employees who were late for meetings ($2 donation);
- Lawn bowls day;
- Casual clothes day;
- Pie drive;
- Auction night and raffle.
"Working in a building that is 47 stories high, you see a lot of faces but you never make contact. Walking around the building selling raffles tickets and introducing myself to people was really great".
Regan Currell, Citigroup 'Team Challenge' See Australia Winner (67kb)
Experiences of Other Citigroup Staff