Allianz Life Employees Choose Four Local Charities to Receive Corporate Donation

Company Directs $100,000 Total Donation Based on Employee Votes

MINNEAPOLIS--()--Employees of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®) voted to have four Twin Cities charities receive $25,000 each to support their mission as part of the company’s Employee-Elected Charities program. American Cancer Society, Animal Humane Society, Feed My Starving Children, and HopeKids were voted to receive the 2016 donations. In addition to the contribution, Allianz Life employees will volunteer their time to events with each charity throughout the year.

Since the Employee-Elected Charities program began, Allianz Life has given more than $1 million to charities in the community. The program gives employees the chance to decide how the company’s corporate giving is distributed. To be nominated as an Employee-Elected charity, 10 or more Allianz Life employees must have volunteered with the organization during the previous year.

“This program directly reflects the wishes of our employees who give their time and energy to these charities,” said Allianz Life President and CEO Walter White. “I’m proud that our corporate donations can represent and reinforce our employees’ personal commitment to these organizations each year.”

Allianz Life provides each employee eight hours of paid time off annually to volunteer for the charity of their choice. In 2015, nearly 1,100 employees volunteered more than 15,000 hours in the community, the equivalent of approximately $356,900 of in-kind donations.

About the 2016 Employee-Elected Charities

American Cancer Society (ACS) is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Its mission focuses on helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. “This generous Allianz Life donation will help ACS continue to make major steps in the fight against cancer,” said ACS Senior Director of Corporate Partners Angie Fitzgerald. “Donations help patients get early diagnoses, improve treatments and receive the support they need during their cancer journey.”

Animal Humane Society (AHS) provides programs and services to compassionately serve all stages of an animal’s life. “The Allianz Life gift supports AHS’s work to create a more humane world for animals,” said AHS Director of Philanthropy Nicole Stern. “This includes responding to reports of animal abuse and neglect and collaborating with local law enforcement to protect and seek justice for animals throughout Minnesota.”

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) strives to eliminate hunger by shipping hand-packed meals specifically formulated for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries around the world. "The generous contribution from Allianz Life will ensure more than 100,000 nutritious meals will be hand-packed by volunteers and delivered to children in 50 countries around the world," said FMSC Development Advisor Judy Watke. "This compassion means over 300 children will have a daily meal for a year. We also look forward to employees participating in one of our packing events, uniting teams as they provide a global impact."

HopeKids organizes events and activities that restore fun, excitement and hope for children facing debilitating health issues. “Allianz Life is very active in our community, so to be chosen as one of their elected charities by its employees is truly an honor," said HopeKids Minnesota Executive Director Brian Anderson. "The support HopeKids receives from Allianz Life, both financially and through their volunteerism is a tremendous help in accomplishing our mission.”

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2016, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 147,000 employees worldwide. More than 85 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.

Contacts

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Tessa Dahlstrom, 763-765-7763
Tessa.dahlstrom@allianzlife.com
@AllianzLifeNews

Release Summary

Employees of Allianz Life voted to have four Twin Cities charities receive $25,000 each to support their mission as part of the company’s Employee-Elected Charities program.

Contacts

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Tessa Dahlstrom, 763-765-7763
Tessa.dahlstrom@allianzlife.com
@AllianzLifeNews