News Release

HSBC Holds Drawing Contest for Holiday Campaign

Students Ages 8-12 Invited to Submit Designs for Banks Holiday Campaign

24 May 2002

HSBC Bank USA has launched an art contest inviting students to design the Bank's 2002 Regional Holiday Campaign.

"Education is a priority for HSBC and we always enjoy partnering with the schools," said Youssef A Nasr, president and CEO of HSBC Bank USA. "Through this program, students will be able to share their talents with the community and the winners will see their work used as the basis for a major campaign."

The theme of the campaign is timely: "Peace on earth begins in our own community." One design will be selected in each of the bank's four New York State regions: Western, Rochester/Finger Lakes, Central/Capital and New York City. The artists' work will be featured on the bank's holiday cards in their home region, as well as on billboards, branch posters and other campaign materials. All four winning designs will also appear on HSBC's interactive billboard in Times Square.

As the school year winds down, schools are encouraged to participate in the contest. The four winning artists schools will receive a $1000 gift certificate for art supplies and each of the winners and twenty runners-up will also receive a set of art supplies.

Drawings must be submitted with an official entry form, available at any HSBC Branch or online. Deadline for entries is June 21, 2002. For information on the contest, call (716) 841-1500.