Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Countrywide Financial, HSBC - North America and Mellon Financial to Participate in 2005 Community

- Volunteers set to repair and improve three Wilkinsburg Homes - 


PITTSBURGH, Aug. 11  /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, Aug. 13, local Financial Services Roundtable members Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Mellon Financial Corporation, and HFC and Beneficial (consumer lending businesses of HSBC - North America), along with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, will repair and improve three homes in Wilkinsburg as part of the financial service industry's fourth annual Community Build Day. Nationally, 35 Financial Services Roundtable member companies have committed to help build and repair homes in 22 cities that day as part of 2005 Community Build Day.

A dedication ceremony will begin near the homes in the 8000 block of Susquehanna Street in Wilkinsburg at 9 a.m., with remarks from federal, state and local government officials, including state Sen. Jim Ferlo, state Rep. Joe Preston, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, representatives from U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle's offices, and Wilkinsburg Mayor Wilbert Young, as well as representatives from participating financial services companies. U.S. congressman Tim Murphy will also be on site during the day.

Volunteers representing each local participating organization, along with contractors donating their services, will repair and improve the three Wilkinsburg homes. Work includes installation of new windows, electric lines, lighting and smoke detectors as well as painting and general clean up.

"The homeowners in Wilkinsburg are very appreciative of the efforts of everyone involved," said Cindy Gilch, executive director of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh. "Without this help, these low-income seniors wouldn't have the resources to make these much-needed repairs. They're excited about and very grateful for the home improvements, and I know everyone involved is anxious to get to work. This is an excellent example of neighbors helping neighbors by revitalizing homes, communities and lives in Pittsburgh."

"Community Build Day demonstrates to the public how the financial services industry works 365 days a year to improve the cities that they serve," said Steve Bartlett, president and CEO of the Roundtable. "The member companies of the Roundtable are competitors in the marketplace, but this day shows our cooperation in the community."

The Financial Services Roundtable represents 100 of the largest integrated financial services companies providing banking, insurance and investment products and services to the American consumer. The Roundtable's latest Community Involvement Survey found financial services companies to have donated or raised nearly $1.11 billion in direct charitable contributions and employees to have donated 9.2 million volunteer hours, the equivalent of more than 4,600 full-time employees.

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly or have disabilities, so they may continue to live in warmth, safety and independence.

  Directions
   - From I-376 (Parkway East), merge onto PA-8 N via Exit 8B toward
     Wilkinsburg.
   - Turn right onto Wood Street.
   - Turn left onto Susquehanna Street.


DATASOURCE: The Financial Services Roundtable



CONTACT:  Jason Snyder of Mellon Financial Corporation, [phone],

or  



Web site:  http://www.mellon.com/ 

Copyright