Zurich interns raise over £13k for local charities

11 young people take part in Summer Internship Programme

A group of interns at a local insurance company have raised more than £13,000 for charity.

Eleven young people took part in Zurich Isle of Man’s Summer Internship Programme.

They participated in an Apprentice-style challenge with the cohort split in two teams – called Brighter Futures and Care to Win – to fundraise for The Children’s Centre and Hospice Isle of Man respectively.

A series of fundraising activities was organised including raffles, car washes and bake sales.

These were match-funded by the Z Zurich Foundation (a charitable foundation funded by various members of the Zurich Insurance Group) resulting in a grand total of £10,670 being donated to Hospice Isle of Man, and £3,763 to The Children’s Centre.

Katherine Blenkinsop, HR Consultant at Zurich on the Isle of Man, said: "As we complete the fourth year of our Summer Internship Programme, I would like to thank all our interns for the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm they have brought to Zurich this summer. 

"Alongside gaining valuable experience within their departments, and developing new skills for their future careers, they have made a real difference through their volunteering and fundraising efforts. 

"The support they have provided to local charities is invaluable and we are incredibly proud of the impact the internship programme continues to have. 

"Each year brings new talent, fresh perspectives and inspiring success stories, with several former interns even going on to build successful careers with Zurich. 

"We wish each of them every success for the future and look forward to seeing where their careers take them next."

Vanessa Naude, Corporate Relationships and Events Executive at Hospice Isle of Man, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to this year’s Zurich interns for the commitment and energy they brought to supporting Hospice. 

"From volunteering to continue the polytunnel project started by last year’s interns, to throwing themselves into every fundraising initiative, they have been fantastic supporters. 

"Their bake sale and raffle generated wonderful enthusiasm, while the car wash proved especially popular with Hospice and Manx Care staff. 

"What has really stood out is the genuine enthusiasm they brought to everything they did, and we’re hugely appreciative of the time, effort and creativity they have given to Hospice.”

Leah Mousley, Events and Income Generation Support, from The Children’s Centre said: "We are so thankful to the Zurich interns and employees for their remarkable continued support of The Children's Centre. 

"Their hard work, fundraising and generous gifts of time ensure we can continue providing vital services to the children and families across the Isle of Man. 

"Watching these young people channel their energy, compassion and creativity into helping our local community is truly inspiring. 

"Their efforts will make a real, lasting difference to local families and we cannot thank them enough!”