Community Partner Award: Zurich NA

Through its commitment to giving and volunteering in the community, Zurich in North America provides substantial support to organizations and individuals not only in North America, but also throughout the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.
 
While Zurich encourages its employees to volunteer on an international basis, it also encourages its employees to get involved with a wide range of local causes. Most recently, Dawn Grant and other Zurich employees raised money for the American Cancer Society in Arlington Heights thru its Daffodil Days fundraiser. Annually, a team of Zurich volunteers, led by Zurich employee Karen Michalski, turn the Samuel A. Kirk School gym in Palatine into a Halloween fun fair. Working closely with the Northwest Special Recreation Association,  Zurich employee volunteers organize games, give gift bags, and serve lunch for nearly 100 kids.
 
Jillian Walsh, director of Corporate Giving and Community Relations for Zurich in North America said the company’s core values state the importance of volunteering and giving back to the communities where Zurich employees live and work.
 
“Volunteering gives employees a chance to connect with those causes that they’re passionate about and gives them a unique opportunity to make a difference,” she said.
 
Zurich employees also volunteer their skills to area non-profits, working to help the non-profits increase their capacity, so the non-profits can better serve the communities they represent.
 
Walsh recently worked with The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago to host two workshops that taught non-profit professionals how to work better with corporations and corporate employees. She said companies have a responsibility to reach out to non-profits and help them by sharing not only their money, but also their time and professional expertise.
 
“In light of these challenging economic times, I think all corporations have a greater responsibility to increase their commitment to the community, and step it up a little bit,” Walsh said.
 
Even beyond volunteering, Zurich employees organize drives throughout the year to collect food, clothing, books, and toys for local non-profits. They also organize fundraisers that provide vital support for area organizations.
 
Walsh said the commitment of Zurich and its employees to giving back ultimately builds a stronger community and a better business.
 
"Zurich employees' commitment to give back has grown over the years," she said. "It's important to our employees and to our community. It's what makes us Zurich."