FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carolina Schwarz

Voices For Children Foundation

Tel: 305.324.5678

HSBC STEPS UP FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN IN

MIAMI- DADE COUNTY

December 16,2005- Miami, FL- Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Guardian Ad Litem Program has announced it received a $75,000 donation from HSBC to further the mission of the organization and make a significant impact on the lives of abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.

On December 11, Voices For Children Foundation received a representative check for the totality of the donation in a ceremony that sealed a significant increase in the contribution the bank has made to the organization in previous years. While fifty thousand dollars out of the total amount will go directly for educational projects, the remaining twenty five thousand will turn HSBC into the presenting sponsor of Voices For Children’s 2006 Gala, showing the bank’s commitment to the mission of the organization and the children it serves.

“HSBC is the third largest global bank and a true community partner. Their support to Voices over the past five years and this financial contribution towards educational projects and the sponsorship of the Gala shows they are taking a major step forward in their support of the South Florida community and demonstrates their commitment to the cause of abused and neglected children needing our help,” said Steve Owens, Voices Board Director and President of Swire Properties, Inc.

The Gala is one of the organization’s top signature events. This exclusive affair has significant community appeal, attracting over 500 of the most affluent and influential members of the community and serving as major fund raising event for the organization. In 2006, the Voices For Children Gala will celebrate Chinese New Year.

For more information about Voices For Children visit www.voices4.org or call 305.324.5678. To become a Guardian Ad Litem call 305.638. 6861.

Voices For Children Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to ensure that every abused, abandoned and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational, and social needs. Guardians Ad Litem are trained, court appointed volunteers who serve as the representative voice for abused, abandoned and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings. While an average of 2,100 children are served by the approximate 500 Guardian Ad Litem volunteers yearly, there are nearly 3,800 children involved in court proceedings who need representation. Be A Voice, visit www.voices4.org.

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