Rebuild of Rockaway, N.Y. home is 100th in area following Superstorm Sandy
Displaced for nearly two years after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the New York area, a mother and daughter returned home last week, welcomed by many of the volunteers who helped rebuild their Breezy Point home in the Rockaway area of Queens.
A ribbon-cutting celebration marked the 100th home that has been rebuilt in Rockaway, Staten Island and Monmouth County, N.J., by St. Bernard Project (SBP) with support from Zurich North America, a commercial property and casualty insurer.
Zurich volunteers and representatives from SBP and its local affiliate, Friends of Rockaway, cheered during an emotional moment as homeowner Doris Gresser and daughter Lorraine Burke walked into their refurbished house.
The home had sustained significant structural damage from the water and wind that overwhelmed the area during the storm. While Doris and Lorraine were able to fix some of the damage, they couldn’t complete the extensive repairs without the help of SBP – a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping disaster-impacted communities recover.
Zurich has helped support SBP for five years.
“It’s a great feeling to see Doris and Lorraine finally return home after such a devastating storm,” said Ed Lopes, east regional executive for Zurich North America. “SBP’s mission aligns with Zurich’s focus of building sustainable communities by leveraging our risk management expertise and passion to help.”
Employees from Zurich’s New York and New Jersey offices have volunteered more than 4,000 hours to help rebuild homes in Sandy-impacted communities over the past 15 months. The Gresser home was the site of a Zurich friends and family build on June 1 that involved two dozen volunteers.
The Z Zurich Foundation recently committed $165,000 to SBP for Sandy recovery projects in addition to a $3 million grant to support SBP’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lab, which will help at-risk communities across America better prepare for natural disasters.
Zurich’s relationship with SBP has grown each year since it began in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina. Since 2009, more than 1,000 Zurich employees, customers, brokers and distributors have teamed up with SBP to rebuild homes in New Orleans, Staten Island, Rockaway and Joplin, Mo., where major storms have had shattering impacts.
Best practices learned in New Orleans – where SBP was launched in 2006 following Katrina – have been used in rebuilding other communities. SBP has helped approximately 700 families across the country return to their homes. More than 200 home rebuilds lie ahead for SBP in the New York area as Sandy recovery efforts continue.
The Hartford
The Hartford has pledged $100,000 to Typhoon Haiyan American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. The contribution includes a $50,000 corporate gift and a dollar-for-dollar match of employee donations up to $50,000.
“Our hearts go out to the Filipino community and all those whose family and friends have been impacted by Typhoon Haiyan,” said Greg Brown, senior vice president of Commercial Operations at The Hartford and a board member of the American Red Cross, Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “We are confident the country will rebuild and move forward from this catastrophe.”
Assurant
The Assurant Foundation and Assurant Specialty Property today announced a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross, to help victims of Sunday’s tornadoes in the Midwest.
The contribution from the Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of specialty insurance provider Assurant, Inc., will go to the Red Cross’ disaster relief fund. The organization is providing shelter and other assistance for storm victims in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.
Zurich
Zurich has launched a campaign through which employees can make donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Employee donations made through this campaign or to other organizations supporting typhoon disaster relief will be matched 1:1 by the Z Zurich Foundation, up to CHF 250,000 (Swiss Francs). Matching funds will support the disaster relief efforts of the International Federation of the Red Cross.
HUB International
In response to Typhoon Haiyan, HUB International has chosen to support the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross. HUB will match every dollar that employees donate up to $25,000.
Nationwide
Nationwide Insurance provided humanitarian relief teams in Kokomo, Indiana on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to provide aid to the victims of the tornadoes that swept through the area on Sunday. The teams provided much needed water, food, paper products, cleaning supplies and other goods.
ACE Charitable Foundation
ACE is committing $250,000 USD towards future rebuilding projects or series of projects in the Philippines. In addition, ACE will match employee donations to the Red Cross relief efforts 1:1.
Swiss Re Foundation
The Swiss Re Foundation has donated a total of $550,000 to-date in response to the typhoon in the Philippines.
- $275,000 to the Swiss Red Cross
- $110,000 to Save the Children (employee donations)
- $165,000 (Foundation’s employee match)
Aon
As an Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) member, Aon’s annual grant of $500,000 USD to the Red Cross ensures that resources are available in advance of major disasters like this. With pre-positioned supplies and adequately secured resources, the Red Cross can immediately take action when disasters strike.
In addition, Aon colleagues have been encouraged to contribute to the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Typhoon Appeals. The Aon Foundation – US and Aon Charitable Fund – UK will match colleague donations to these appeals.
Travelers Commits $100,000 to Assist Relief Efforts in the Philippines
The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced that in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the company will make an immediate donation of $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts. Additionally, the company will match employee donations up to $50,000, for a total corporate commitment of $100,000.
“The devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has created a humanitarian crisis of vast proportions,” said Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations. “As an organization, Travelers has a strong tradition of supporting communities in times of need, and we are pleased that we are able to contribute to the disaster relief efforts and support our employees who wish to help.”
Travelers will match employee donations to the American Red Cross, Save the Children or the International Rescue Committee, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
Farmers Insurance
Farmers has committed matching donations from our agents and employees up to $25,000 to the American Red Cross International Services.
Assurant Announces Donation for Fallen Arizona Firefighters
$19,000 Contribution to 100 Club, Honoring Victims of Yarnell Fire
The Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of specialty insurance provider Assurant Inc., announced today a $19,000 contribution to assist the families of fallen first responders, in memory of 19 elite firefighters who died battling a catastrophic wildfire in Arizona June 30.
The contribution will go to the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit that assists firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first public-safety personnel and their families. The organization is helping the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots killed at Yarnell, Ariz.
“Our thoughts are with their families and friends, and the community, as they cope with this terrible loss,” said Robert Hill, senior vice president of Assurant Specialty Property and president of Scottsdale-based American Reliable Insurance Co., an Assurant company.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal
Texas Mutual Answers IIAT’s Call for Economic Relief to West, Texas
July 2, 2013: AUSTIN, Texas— Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced today that it is donating $5,234 toward the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) Trusted Choice Foundation® relief fund for West, Texas. The money will help restore West and its fire services following the explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in April.
Steve Math, senior vice president of underwriting at Texas Mutual, presented the check to Patrick Watkins, IIAT president, this morning during the IIAT’s Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
“Volunteer firefighters were the first on the scene after the West explosion, risking their lives to protect others,” said Watkins. “It is critical that they have the resources they need to continue doing their jobs effectively and, above all, safely. When IIAT put out the call for donations, it was no surprise Texas Mutual responded. They’re a strong business partner, but more importantly, an unwavering supporter of IIAT’s community initiatives.”
In total, the IIAT/Trusted Choice Foundation® raised more than $50,000 toward the relief effort. Contributors included IIAT member agencies and insurance carriers.
“More than two decades ago, Texas Mutual made a permanent commitment to our state’s employers and their employees,” said Math. “That commitment extends to the communities where we live. Texas Mutual applauds the IIAT for spearheading this initiative, and we are proud to be associated with it.”
West is a community of about 3,000 people located 18 miles north of Waco. On April 17, 2013, the West Fertilizer Company caught fire. While emergency personnel worked to douse the flames, the plant exploded. Fifteen people died, and more than 200 were injured.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal
AIG Disaster Relief Fund Donates Over $1 Million to Local Organizations Affected By Storm Sandy
NEW YORK, July 9, 2013 – American International Group, Inc. announced today that the AIG Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) has donated more than $1 million to local organizations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania that were affected by Storm Sandy. The donations followed an in-depth analysis by AIG’s claims department, which helped determine which organizations would benefit most. AIG established the Disaster Relief Fund to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters around the world.
The money from the DRF will be divided among seven organizations, including branches of the Brooklyn, New York and Queens Public Libraries, the Police Athletic League of New York, and the YMCA. Additional beneficiaries included the South Street Seaport Museum and the Robert L. Craig Elementary School in New Jersey.
“Helping customers and communities recover and rebuild from disasters is at the very core of our business,” said AIG Property Casualty CEO Peter Hancock. “This donation demonstrates not only tremendous partnership within our own organization and local communities, but also our steadfast commitment to providing support and relief to those who need it most.”
In addition to the money from the DRF, AIG employees made personal contributions to, and raised funds for, organizations affected by Storm Sandy. For example, AIG employees in the U.K. raised additional money for a devastated school district in New Jersey.
“AIG Disaster Relief Fund aids continuing Sandy recovery,” a video about AIG’s commitment to the community, and the ongoing recovery efforts of the donation recipients, is available on AIG’s YouTube channel.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal
CMJ Underwriters
June 28, 2013: In support of a station hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, CMJ Underwriters (part of Fireman’s Fund) is directing $25,000 to a FDNY station located in Queens. With these funds, the station is able to purchase a forcible entry simulator, training props and firefighter fitness equipment. The simulator is a large, sturdy door and frame combination that gives firefighters hands-on experience at forcing open locked doors. This training tool will provide firefighters practice with pry bars, hand tools and power tools. Repeated practice increases the speed of entry, saving valuable time during emergencies.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal
Oklahoma/Midwest Tornadoes
Community Safety Foundation Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 28, 2013 – The Community Safety Foundation, a private nonprofit organization funded by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange, announced today it is giving a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. The donation will support rebuilding efforts in hard-hit Moore, Oklahoma, and other devastated regions.
The Foundation is dedicated to improving the safety and security of the communities served by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange by making strategic philanthropic grants to improve community safety and disaster preparedness and to provide consumer and insurance education.
“This generous donation supports our work in Oklahoma and other regions, helping people begin the recovery process after this tragic storm,” said Jean Nickaloff, Interim CEO for the American Red Cross Bay Area. “These funds allow us to expand our relief efforts for affected families to meet emergency needs and connect them with recovery resources.”
“Both the American Red Cross and the Community Safety Foundation are dedicated to rebuilding communities after they’ve been devastated by a disaster,” said Rose Guilbault, President of the Community Safety Foundation. “Our hearts go out to those impacted and we want to support them in this time of recovery.”
Allstate
To help the community recover, Allstate and The Allstate Foundation, together with agency owners and employees, will donate up to $75,000 for relief efforts. The American Red Cross, a long-standing partner in disaster recovery, will receive a grant of up to $50,000 to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm. An additional $25,000 grant will support a local nonprofit helping the people of Moore rebuild their lives.
Challenge–Raise $25,000 in two days for Oklahoma Tornado Victims
The principals of Hanover Stone Partners, LLC have made a matching pledge of $5,000 to a fund raiser organized by The Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance. For every dollar donated, Hanover Stone Partners, LLC will contribute the same amount, up to $5,000 in total.
IIAT
The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) has raised $22,000 for relief in West, Texas. The money has been contributed to the Waco Foundation West Relief Fund: www.wacofoundation.org.
Travelers
Travelers will make a $50,000 donation for relief efforts related to the Oklahoma tornado.
Assurant Foundation Contributes Financial Support for Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief
The Assurant Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Assurant, Inc., announced that it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist residents of Oklahoma affected by tornadoes. In addition, the Assurant Foundation will match employee donations in support of disaster relief efforts.
The Assurant Foundation will provide a two-for-one match of employee donations to the American Red Cross as part of a “Do More for Moore” challenge. It also will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for employee donations and local fundraising for other charitable organizations supporting humanitarian efforts in Oklahoma.
Wells Fargo Donates $100,000 for Oklahoma Tornado Victims
Wells Fargo & Company announced that it is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist individuals and families affected by this week’s devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. and surrounding areas. The American Red Cross will use the money to help tornado victims in the region.
“When a community is faced with such a tragic loss of life and destruction of property, it’s our duty to act and to help bring relief to those in need,” said Jon Campbell, executive vice president of Government and Community Relations at Wells Fargo. “We hope our contribution will help the people in this community address their very vital, immediate needs and begin the longer process of recovery.”