A donation of equipment for the Department of Cardiac Surgery of the University Children's Clinic Tiršova worth RSD 16.9 million has marked the official start of operations of Intesa Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Banca Intesa, part of international banking group Intesa Sanpaolo, with the aim of providing systemic support for the community and long-term contribution to social development.

Banca Intesa established Intesa Foundation with support from the International Subsidiary Banks Division of Intesa Sanpaolo group with the aim of creating a modern, sustainable and inclusive society by focusing on five key areas of impact – support for women in distress and combat against social inequalities; development of education, children, and youth; healthcare and social protection, focused primarily on elderly population; climate change mitigation and environmental protection; and local community projects.

Marco Elio Rottigni, Chief of the International Subsidiary Banks Division, stated: “As the Chairman of Intesa Foundation, I am proud of this initiative that reconfirms Banca Intesa Beograd, Serbia's leading bank, as an institution concretely serving the country, showing ambition and ability to promote an increasingly fair and just society, a fundamental prerequisite for the long-term growth and prosperity of our communities. By sharing and embodying the distinctive corporate culture of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, which aims to be the world's first Impact Bank, the Intesa Foundation will offer its best contribution to promote a strong and cohesive society and support the communities and people of Serbia, especially those in need. The donation to the Department of Cardiac Surgery of the University Children's Clinic Tiršova is a first tangible example of our commitment in this regard”.

Owing to the donation of Intesa Foundation, the University Children's Clinic will get state-of-the art medical equipment enabling it to continue to provide high-quality treatment for the youngest patients including an autotransfusion device, a mobile respirator, a patient monitor, surgical front light, as well as furniture for intensive care and the OR.

"We are aware that as a market leader in Serbia we have an important role in supporting the economy and citizens, but also a responsibility for the well-being of the entire society. That is why it makes us proud that the establishment of Intesa Foundation, as a natural continuation of our long-term support for the community, will put us in a position to help solve key social challenges in a structured and strategic way and contribute to the general development and betterment of society. With the donation for the University Children's Clinic we wish to help further improve conditions for the medical treatment of the youngest patients as well as for the work of medical staff, while at the same time contributing to the strengthening of the overall healthcare system in the country”, said Darko Popović, President of the Executive Board of Banca Intesa, adding that this donation represents a continuation of the support that the bank had provided to the Children's Clinic since 2011, when it enabled the reconstruction and equipping of the Department of Cardiac Surgery.