Zurich, January 4, 2005 – Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) will provide up to USD 2 million to the South Asia region affected by the tsunami catastrophe. This sum will consist of a donation of USD 1 million. In addition, the Group will match up to USD 1 million in charitable contributions made by Zurich employees.
James J. Schiro, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Financial Services, said: "The powerful tsunamis that struck South Asia over the Holidays are a human tragedy. Millions are in need of help. That is why we want to grant immediate relief, while ensuring that we can also provide long-term reconstruction assistance."
Under Zurich’s disaster relief program, employees can make contributions to a recognized charitable organization of their choice. Contributions made by employees between December 26, 2004, and March 31, 2005, will be matched dollar for dollar by the Group up to a total of USD 1 million. In addition, Zurich will donate USD 1 million to internationally recognized aid organizations for immediate disaster relief and long-term reconstruction efforts. It could be expected that the "Zurich family" made up of the Group and its 62,000 employees around the world will provide up to USD 3 million in total tsunami relief.
Zurich Financial Services is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network that focuses its activities on its key markets in North America and Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich has offices in more than 50 countries and employs about 62,000 people.
For further information please contact:
Media and Public Relations
Phone: +41 (0)1 625 21 00, Fax: +41 (0)1 625 26 41, E-mail: media@zurich.com
Investor Relations
Phone: +41 (0)1 625 22 99, Fax: +41 (0)1 625 36 18, E-mail: investor.relations@zurich.com
Zurich Financial Services
Mythenquai 2, P.O. Box, 8022 Zurich, Switzerland
http://www.zurich.com
SWX Swiss Exchange/virt-x: ZURN
