This Friday, June 19, Loomis Sayles is observing five minutes of silence in recognition and celebration of Juneteenth, the day freedom was declared for all Americans after the liberation of the last slaves in the US. We are taking this time to acknowledge the pain of our past and the essential progress that still needs to be made. Loomis Sayles employees will also receive one extra paid volunteer day this year to support local causes and communities in honor of Juneteenth’s celebration of Black history and humanity.
Last week, we made significant contributions to six organizations that support diverse communities and do critical work to promote racial justice. These contributions seek to reinforce our values—but they are no substitute for individual accountability leading to real change.We selected three national and three local organizations to support broad-based change efforts across the nation and directly impact work going on in the communities around our Boston headquarters.
In addition, we are doubling our corporate matching gift amount for employee donations to these six organizations and others that support racial justice. Until year end, Loomis Sayles will match $2 for every $1 an employee contributes up to the standard annual employee limit.
The firm also committed major gifts to Boston Medical Center and the Greater Boston Food Bank in March. BMC and the GBFB both put equity at the cornerstone of their work, which is especially critical as public health crises like COVID-19 disproportionately impact communities of color.
These contributions, along with setting aside time for reflection and volunteerism, are important initial steps and symbols of our commitment for a more equitable and just future for the Black Community. We are determined to accelerate our work to implement systemic change that supports diversity, equal opportunity and justice, both across the organization and in our communities.
Kevin P. Charleston
Chairman & CEO
Click here to read our June 2, 2020 statement on racism and equality.
MALR025599
