Zurich to provide earthquake relief for Haiti

Zurich – Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) announced today that it has instituted a global internal program to facilitate contributions to the victims of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. The Z Zurich Foundation (Foundation) will match up to CHF 250,000 in charitable contributions made by Zurich employees globally to recognized charitable organizations of their choice working towards the Haiti relief and reconstruction effort.

Martin Senn, CEO Zurich Financial Services Group and Chairman of the Z Zurich Foundation, said: “The devastating earthquake in Haiti hit one of the poorest countries in the world. A catastrophe of this dimension requires broad relief actions. It is important to me and to Zurich’s employees that we can help to bring some relief to the affected people. “

Note to the editors:
The Foundation’s contribution will be made to the Haiti appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The donation complements the existing long-term partnership the Foundation has established with the IFRC. Under that cooperation arrangement Zurich supports the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund for immediate disaster response. Furthermore, it invests in the IFRC’s work on disaster risk reduction and preparedness, long-term rehabilitation and development in affected regions to contribute to making communities stronger and more resilient in the first place.

The Z Zurich Foundation is the foundation of the Zurich Financial Services Group. In 2008, it established three five-year partnerships with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Practical Action and the Rainforest Alliance to address global social and environmental challenges. Beyond the financial contribution provided by the Foundation, the partners are working together in areas of mutual interest where Zurich employees can bring their global experience and risk management capabilities to bear.

For further information on the Z Zurich Foundation please visit:
http://www.zurich.com/main/about/corporateresponsibility/globalnonprofitpartnerships/zurichsgroupfoundation.htm
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries.