Children's charity bowled over by Winterthur staff fundraising success

15 September 2006

In February this year Winterthur staff elected Naomi House as the company's chosen charity for its 2006 'Make a Difference' campaign, with a target fund-raising total of £40,000. Since the announcement, employees and business partners have supported the Winchester-based children's hospice through a run of fund-raising ideas, including a company-wide 'It's a Knockout' sports-day and a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis.

The latest spin on the charity campaign saw Winterthur's senior management team face its sales force in a highly charged game of cricket at Clift Meadow in Bramley, near Basingstoke, where every run qualified for a £1 company donation.

'Winterthur's Ashes' tournament started at 4.30pm, with non-participating employees invited to spectate.ÊBoth spectators and players were sustained by Winterthur staff cake baking, all proceeds going to the charity fund.

Jill Livingstone, Corporate Fundraiser for Naomi House presented the winners shield to management's Headoffice Hard Hitters (101-6) who out-bowled the sales team's Distribution Dashers (100-all out). A 'man of the match' trophy was also awarded to Iain Griffiths, Winterthur's compliance liaison officer, who retired on 30 runs. All trophies were donated by Shoecare of Basingstoke.

Plans to hold a charity auction of a bat signed by England cricket heroes Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Udal and Kevin Peterson, were also announced.

Mike Kellard, CEO for Winterthur Life, said:

"The day was a huge success, and again the generosity and willingness to participate has been demonstrated by staff at all levels. Pledges indicate that the cricket event will take our charity fund over the £40,000 target, and this year's Make a Difference campaign is far from over! Thanks to all the companies whose donations helped make the day possible, especially Clift Meadow for use of the grounds and near-by Bramley Inn for their hospitality."

Jill Livingstone commented on the fund-raising result:

"This is fantastic news. Many thanks to everyone at Winterthur Life for their continued support. Naomi House relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, and the efforts of Winterthur staff will really make a difference to the care and support provided to the children and their families at Naomi House."

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