Another insurer has dipped into its pockets to support the charities working to tackle the COVID-19 crisis – and has pulled out quite an eye-catching sum.
Zurich Community Trust will donate £2 million across its existing national and local charity partnerships that were chosen by the insurer’s UK employees. Grants are already being made with the idea that funds will be available throughout the year as the situation unfolds.
Among the beneficiaries on a national level is Dementia UK, which will see its funding this year increase to £150,000, while the Alzheimer’s Society will be boosted by £75,000 as part of the Insurance United Against Dementia campaign. A further £25,000 has also been awarded to the Wiltshire Community Foundation for the coronavirus response fund in that region.
“A huge thank you to our partners at Zurich Community Trust for this donation, which will allow our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline to carry on its vital work during this challenging time,” said CEO and chief Admiral nurse at Dementia UK Dr Hilda Hayo. “There is a real risk of carers feeling completely overwhelmed, and the symptoms of dementia can be exacerbated with the isolation measures in place. Families need specialist dementia support now more than ever.”
The assistance isn’t just financial, however, as all partner charities are also being contacted to see how Zurich employees can potentially get involved and support them on a skills level.
In addition, it has launched a fundraising appeal among its employees to make donations to the National Emergencies Trust and it is offering financial relief for its own small charity customers – 14,000 of them have received letters from Zurich informing them of a three-month payment holiday for their insurance premiums beginning on April 01.
“We are aware of the huge impact COVID-19 is already having on charities. We’ve all seen how fundraising is being hit hard already at a time when demand for charities’ services are increasing along with the costs incurred to deliver these,” said Steve Grimmett, head of Zurich Community Trust.
“In response, we are focusing our funding towards charities we have existing relationships with who are working to support individuals and communities hit hardest. We are working in partnership and will be here to support organisations over the coming weeks and months. At the same time, we’re looking at ways to deploy the support of our employees who are keen to share valuable skills and expertise with those working on the front line.”
