GSA’s Touch of Colour fundraising event has raised more than $130,000 for children’s charity KidsXpress.
The event, which saw 22 teams from within the insurance industry take part in a day of touch football alongside NRL legends past and present, took place at Sydney University for the first time.
Teams from major firms such as Lloyd’s, XL Catlin,
Chubb and
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance took part in the day with the KidsXpress team running out as the eventual winners.
James Telford, director of general insurance and workers’ compensation at GAS, and one of the founders of the event, praised the industry for its heartfelt response.
“It is nice to give back and I have got to thank every one of the underwriters and others who put their hand in their pocket,” Telford told
Insurance Business. “We can’t underplay that, it is a huge commitment and we know times can be tough but to get 22 teams is really pleasing as it is two more than last year.”
Thirteen former or current NRL players also took part in the event including former Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello, current Eels player Michael Jennings and current Sharks player Joseph Paulo.
Former Panthers star Frank Puletua, a KidsXpress ambassador and one of the founders of the event, said that it brings together like-minded people.
“Touch of Colour is something a lot of people can take part in and given that the guys are part of a network within their sector, it made sense to do something to be able to invite a lot of people and more companies in to contribute more and hopefully raise more funds,” Puletua told
Insurance Business. “The marriage between the two [insurance and rugby league] is really the people that are involved.”
As the industry is no stranger to helping at-risk communities, Telford said that he hopes the event can continue to go from strength to strength.
“It is not just about writing a policy and moving on,” Telford continued. “This is our part of getting closer and trying to help KidsXpress where we can but hopefully it can become part of the calendar.”
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