Small children with motor disorders, can make remarkable strides forward through The Foundation’s First Steps programme for parents and their babies under three. We asked Zurich’s Community Trust why they support this service and what they have got out of our partnership - which started out as a three year partnership and is now in its fifth year.

First, a reminder of how Zurich’s Community Trust supported the Foundation:

* £125,000 over 5 years for 125 children to go through the First Steps programme
* £28,000 to pilot an outreach project in Gloucester

Over 50 of Zurich’s employees have been involved through initiatives such as:

* Laid a 40 metre wheelchair accessible path and worked in the garden
* Painted and decorated rooms throughout the facility
* Run the school library
* Raised over £2,000 by taking part in the Dragon Boat Challenge and Novices Rowing Regatta
* A further grant of £1,000 awarded to adult sessions
* Facilitated a review of HR Policies
* Assisted with Key Performance Indicators within the Foundation
* A senior manager has become a Trustee.

Why Zurich chose The Foundation

Zurich’s Community Trust give money, skills and time donated from Zurich together with money and time from their employees to help disadvantaged people achieve an independent future for themselves.

They strive to make a difference by working in partnership with the voluntary sector. Over the years they have learnt that this is the most effective way of making that difference. It takes 3-5 years to build those relationships and to engage employees’ hearts and minds with a charity.

Zurich Community Trust’s local Programme Manager, Nick Hoyle, said “Following a vote by Zurich staff members, we entered into a three year partnership, and it has been beneficial to all involved. Our partnership has gone far beyond financial support and it is a real privilege to be able to work with the Foundation and to witness these tiny tots take their first steps along the path of independence. The partnership is working so well that employees wanted to continue it.”

The Trust has a record of distinctive and innovative work. Nick added, “The Trust is an important part of Zurich’s culture as it opens up our employees’ eyes about varied community issues and enables them to get involved and share their skills. Everyone wins.”

Kate Hodges
Zurich’s Community Trust - Communications