Aviva Italy has now donated a total of €27,785 for the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake, which struck central Italy in April.
Aviva Italy has now donated a total of €27,785 for the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake, which struck central Italy in April.
Aviva contributed €25,000 immediately after the disaster, but 69 staff have now raised a further €3,785.13 by making contributions from their salary.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake resulted in the deaths of almost 300 people and at least 1,500 were injured. A total of 40,000 people were also left homeless.
The earthquake was felt throughout Abruzzo; as far away as Rome, other parts of Lazio, Marche, Molise, Umbria, and Campania.
The staff fundraising was launched on “Becoming one Aviva day” on 3 June. People could choose to donate a set amount of money or “hours” of their time.
Carla Crespi, head of customer management and marketing for Aviva Italy, said: “During Aviva Day we announced the fundraising activity, sending out an e-mail and inserting a reminder with June payslips.
“The amount specified by each employee was automatically diverted from the payroll in July. Actually, many colleagues had already made a contribution to the earthquake fund before we decide to launch this fundraising initiative.
“Nevertheless, I am so pleased that Aviva was able to help the people of the Abruzzo region. The money will be given to the municipality of a village nearby L’Aquila - San Pio delle Camere - which was seriously damaged by the earthquake.
“I would like to give special thanks to everyone who contributed. If there is a will people can make a real difference,” Carla said.
The Italian government has been encouraging foreign governments - along with Italian provinces and multinationals - to "adopt" a building and fund its renovation.
So far, 1,360 structures, 765 churches and 535 buildings have been added to the list of those in and around L'Aquila that need repair and restoration.