Working with communities
Investing in the communities in which we live and work is a key part of our sustainability strategy.
Working with charitable and non-profit partners, and powered by the Z Zurich Foundation, we invest in communities to help build resilience in society across a number of important areas such as education, mental health, health and wellbeing and social innovation.
Community engagement
We are inspired by the generosity shown by Zurich employees in Ireland who have a long track record of sharing their expertise, time, and resources to make an impact in local and global communities.
There are numerous ways in which we help to build a more sustainable future for communities, society as a whole and our planet.
Zurich is a Lead Member in the UNICEF Corporate Vaccine Alliance. In June 2021 we launched our UNICEF COVAX appeal, and combined with Z Zurich Foundation matching, approximately 100,000 doses of vaccine will be delivered to people in low and middle-income countries. The appeal remains open for donations until the end of the year.
Throughout the month of November 2021, Zurich donated two vaccines for every new individual Car, Home, Life or Mortgage Protection policy issued in the month. These vaccine donations will also be matched by the Z Zurich Foundation.
The Power 2 Progress (P2P) programme aims to combat inequality in education by supporting DEIS schools to address the issue. The main aim of this programme is to help to level the playing field for students in Ireland, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
Tackle Your Feelings is a national wellbeing campaign developed by Rugby Players Ireland in partnership with Zurich. The campaign supports proactively looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing.
We are incredibly proud to be headline sponsor of ladies and men’s GAA, LGFA and camogie in Wexford helping to underpin the further development of Gaelic games from underage to adult intercounty level across all codes.
Employee engagement
We are committed to making a difference in the local communities in which we operate, and to support a number of important causes across the country. With over 1,000 employees in Ireland, Zurich employees have volunteered and fundraised for our charity partners such as the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, Windmill, St Vincent de Paul… to mention a few.
The Z Zurich Foundation supports Rethink Ireland’s Innovate Together Fund with a donation of €500,000. Rethink Ireland is Ireland’s national organisation supporting innovative charities, social enterprises and community organisations, and in particular, projects that address the current and long-term social, economic and environmental challenges arising out of the pandemic.
The Zurich Apprenticeship in Ireland is a unique opportunity to enter into the world of Insurance with Zurich Insurance. Based in our Centre of Excellence in Wexford, this three year earn and learn programme equips participants with the skills, knowledge and experience to become a valuable contributor to the success of our business while developing their own rewarding career as an Insurance Professional.
Time to Read
Time to read is a Business in the Community Ireland programme. As part of the programme, Zurich employees provide one-to-one reading support to local primary school children. The aim of this programme is to help children develop a love for reading and it gives Zurich volunteers the opportunity to support the work of families and schools in encouraging a love of books and reading among school children.
Reuse and recycle
Zurich is committed to recycling, and where possible and if safe to do so, computer equipment and office furniture no longer in use by the company is given to charities, schools and colleges. Items unfit for reuse are disposed of by correct waste streams with no land fill in use.
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