Zurich New Zealand gets global recognition for philanthropy

Zurich New Zealand was honoured earlier this month by Variety, the global children’s charity, with an award for outstanding corporate philanthropy.

The award recognised Zurich’s ongoing support of Variety since 2013, which culminated in a grant earlier in 2019 from Zurich’s charitable foundation, the Z Zurich Foundation, for more than NZ$750,000.

Zurich New Zealand’s Regional Manager, Brett Wainhouse, said “I’m incredibly proud that our small team, with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation, can make a such a meaningful contribution to Variety’s efforts to help Kiwi kids who are doing it tough."

Sarah Latch, Operations Manager, Zurich New Zealand, said: “It is wonderful to be able to grow our support to Variety and we are so proud that every year we are able to make an even larger impact to disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

Our efforts with Variety are not about winning awards but making a difference, however it is truly the icing on the cake to be recognised internationally in this way.

Our entire team in New Zealand is truly engaged in our efforts with Variety – we had a 100% uptake for our Staff Volunteer Day program in 2018 which is a first for Zurich globally.”  

CEO of Variety Lorraine Taylor said: “Zurich is a huge part of the Variety family and we are thrilled to recognise the impact of their contribution to children in New Zealand.

The incredible generosity Zurich has shown, not just in its amazing financial donations from the Z Zurich Foundation, but in the engagement and support of the entire Zurich New Zealand team in our mission, has made an material impact on the lives of disadvantaged Kiwi kids.”

The grant from the Z Zurich Foundation will help Variety expand its ‘Beds for Kids’ program.  The program supplies beds, bedding and hygiene kits to children living in low-income households where there is a new-born or sibling under two.

Zurich’s relationship with Variety has developed since 2013 where the efforts were focussed on employee volunteering with schools in areas of low socio-economic attainment. The focus and partnership has progressively evolved and Zurich’s fundraising now supports eleven Kiwi families with the basics they need to help their children reach their full potential.

Zurich’s support also helps fund five NZ$5,000 ‘Gold Heart’ scholarships for talented children to pursue excellence in their chosen field of sport, arts or education.

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