CHRISTIAN BROTHERS INVESTMENT SERVICES AWARDED FOR ITS WORK TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking Will Honor CBIS at Its 13th Annual Fundraiser

LOS ANGELES -- May 10, 2011 -- Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS), a leader in socially responsible investing (SRI) for Catholic institutions, is proud to announce that the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) will honor CBIS for its work to end human trafficking at CAST’s 13th annual fundraiser. Br. Michael O’Hern, FSC, CBIS’ President and CEO, will accept the Founder’s Award at the gala event, scheduled for Thursday, May 12, at Los Angeles’ Skirball Cultural Center. 

“The Catholic institutions investing with CBIS have made it clear that the fight against human trafficking is one of their highest priorities,” said Br. Michael. “Our strategy for combating it is to appeal directly to U.S. corporations and consumers and enlist their help. On behalf of CBIS’ investors, we are honored that CAST believes our efforts are deserving of the prestigious Founder’s Award.” 

CBIS was recommended for the award by Maria Elena Perales, Justice Coordinator for Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, partly for its efforts to help combat sex tourism during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas. Ms. Perales also cited CBIS’ public support for SB657, The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which requires large retailers and manufacturers doing business in California to disclose their efforts to combat slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains. As part of their advocacy agenda regarding supply chains, CAST was one of the co-sponsors of the bill.

Kay Buck, Executive Director of CAST, said: “The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 is a step in the right direction to create an environment where more attention is paid to commodities at risk of being tainted by slave labor, and a very important tool for consumers and investors to empower themselves with information to make responsible choices. The passing of the bill is a call to action for further collaboration and engagement between the business community and non-governmental organizations, working together to find innovative solutions to end modern-day slavery. CAST is pleased to recognize CBIS for its important role in supporting SB657.”

“CBIS is committed to fighting human trafficking for as long as the problem persists,” said Julie Tanner, CBIS’ Assistant Director of Socially Responsible Investing. “It’s going to take all of us -- governments, shareholders, companies and non-governmental organizations like CAST -- working together to put a stop to this tragic crime. We are grateful for CAST’s recognition of our efforts and proud to be working alongside them to help bring an end to this modern form of slavery.” 

Founded in 1998, CAST is a Los Angeles-based NGO dedicated to spreading awareness about human trafficking and slavery and providing services to help survivors live stable, independent and self-sufficient lives. Each year, the Founders Award is presented by CAST to individuals and corporations that have made a significant impact in the fight against modern-day slavery.  

About Christian Brothers Investment Services
Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. (CBIS) is a leader in Catholic socially responsible investing (SRI) with approximately $4.0 billion in AUM for more than 1,000 Catholic institutions worldwide, including dioceses, religious institutes, educational institutions and health care organizations. CBIS' combination of premier institutional asset managers, diversified product offerings, and careful risk-control strategies constitutes a unique investment approach for Catholic institutions and their fiduciaries. CBIS strives to integrate faith-based values into the investment process through a disciplined approach to socially responsible investing that includes principled purchasing (stock screens), active ownership strategies (proxy voting, dialogues, and shareholder resolutions) and community investment. 

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