Insurance Industry Demonstrates Commitment to Early Literacy Through Annual Volunteerism and Philanthropy Campaign
Walnut Creek, CA – October 14, 2013 – The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a non-profit organization funded by the insurance industry, has officially begun its annual Week of Giving. Held October 12-19, 2013, the Week of Giving is an eight-day, industry-wide volunteer and personal giving event where teams of insurance industry volunteers provide three or more hours of volunteer service at neighborhood and community nonprofit organizations across the country.
During the week, teams of volunteers from the insurance industry head out into communities to donate their time for service projects at local non-profit organizations. More than 125 agencies, 141 volunteer teams and 2,637 volunteers have already signed up to participate in this year’s volunteer activities.
Volunteer teams can sign up to participate in various activities at www.weekofgiving.iicf.org.
2013 Personal Giving Campaign to Support Sesame Workshop
In addition to volunteerism, the Week of Giving also includes a personal giving campaign. The IICF Week of Giving provides an opportunity for insurance professionals to join together to make financial contributions that collectively make a significant impact on a national, social cause.
This year, the IICF selected Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, as the beneficiary of the campaign. IICF has partnered with Sesame Workshop on a new early literacy program called “Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day” as a part of the IICF Early Literacy Initiative. This three year partnership with Sesame Workshop will support the IICF’s goal to develop a united industry strategy to impact early literacy for the most vulnerable children ages 0-5.
Thoughout the month of October, individuals can donate $5 by texting INSURANCE to 50555. Alternatively, contributions of all sizes and company matching can be made online at www.weekofgiving.iicf.org. 100 percent of donations designated to Week of Giving will go to support Sesame Workshop and the IICF early literacy program.
“We’re proud to represent an industry that is focused on philanthropy and committed to dedicating its resources and efforts towards volunteerism, service and leadership,” said Bill Ross, CEO of the IICF. “This year’s Week of Giving marks a milestone for IICF as we continue to build awareness and support for our first national program . Through our Week of Giving and early literacy initiative we will continue to grow a meaningful discussion regarding the importance of early childhood literacy.”
For more information about the IICF Week of Giving, to register a volunteer team or to make a donation, please visitwww.weekofgiving.iicf.org. If you’re interested in learning more about Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day, please visitwww.sesamestreet.org/literacy. You can also contact the Foundation office at (925) 280-8009.
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation was established in 1994 and is directed and funded by the insurance industry. The Industry Foundation helps communities and enriches lives by uniting the collective strengths of the industry to provide grants, volunteer service and leadership. The Industry Foundation has contributed over $20 million and 166,000 volunteer hours to community nonprofits. IICF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
