Norwich Union Australia today announced an ongoing commitment to Australian charities with the formation of the Guiding Star Workplace Giving program.
Norwich Union Australia today announced an ongoing commitment to Australian charities with the formation of the Guiding Star Workplace Giving program.
As an organisation, Norwich Union has made a significant financial commitment to six major charities operating in Australia. This is now being supported by staff who have been given the opportunity to donate to charitable organisations directly from their pre-tax salary.
“With more than 750 people working at Norwich Union, we have the chance to really make a difference for some of these charitable organisations,” said Chief Executive Officer, Rob Garnsworthy.
Norwich Union Australia is currently contributing to the support of programs run by The Smith Family, CARE Australia, Here for Life, Very Special Kids, Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
“The choice of charities is made by our staff Guiding Star Committee and is designed to cater to a cross section of the community, ranging from social support and education to care of the environment,” said Rob.
The Guiding Star Workplace Giving program at Norwich Union is in partnership with not-for-profit organisation Australian Charities Fund.
The Australian Charities Fund aims to provide a low cost and stable method for company’s to donate directly to charities before tax. In particular they facilitate individual giving to charities through work place foundations in large Australian organisations.
The current average cost of fundraising in Australia is about 20 per cent of the total raised. This means that some charities may receive less than they otherwise might at the end of many fundraising campaigns. By donating through the Australian Charities Foundation system, Norwich Union is ensuring that all of our donated money is going straight to the charity.
“Our commitment to these charities isn’t only monetary, we also have staff who have volunteered their time in a number of ways for the charities, including fundraising, mentoring and membership of Boards,” said Rob.
For further information, please contact:
Simon Morgan
Group General Manager Public Affairs
PHONE: (03) 9829 8892
MOBILE: 0407 966 632
Note to editors:
- Norwich Union Australia is a group of three specialist financial services companies; Navigator, Norwich Union Life and Portfolio Partners. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation, wealth management and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
- Globally, Norwich Union Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world’s seventh largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
- Aviva’s principal business activities are long-term savings, funds management and general insurance. It has a market capitalisation of approximately A$27 billion at 16/07/02, worldwide premium and investment sales of more than A$72.2 billion from ongoing business and more than A$519 billion in assets under management. The group has 64,000 employees and more than 25 million customers.
- Norwich Union Australia has a sister company, CGU Insurance Ltd, a top 5 general insurance business, which operates independently in Australia.
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