One step towards hope

On Saturday 10 Oct morning, 13 staff and family from Swiss Re Korea participated the “One Step Towards Hope” Walkathon , organised by the Purme Foundation and Seoul City’s Jongno Ward Office.

The Purme Foundation focuses on improving private sector-led medical and rehabilitation care for the estimated 4.7 million physically disabled people in Korea. The Foundation channels the contributions and participation of citizens and companies who share the hope of creating truly patient-oriented hospitals for challenged people in Korea.

The Walkathon’s aims included:

• To raise funds for the foundation of a rehabilitation hospital and reduce medical costs of the disabled in low-income households
• To provide people with opportunities to understand the conditions under which the disabled currently receive medical services
• To promote mutual understanding among the general public and disabled people

The walkathon attracted some 2,000 people – both disabled and able-bodied - including large corporate teams from some of Korea’s leading companies. The teams walked about 3 km around the Gyeongbuk Palace. A music recital was held at the finishing point.

Swiss Re staff and their families all felt it was meaningful to support such an event, and believe that taking an active role in society beyond business is important.

In the communities where we operate, Swiss Re supports local institutions and fosters employee-initiated charity projects. Swiss Re launched the "Charity of the Year" programme in selected locations in 2008, and in Asia, it started this year. This Group-wide initiative provides a platform for employees to select local charities. Swiss Re asked employees in Korea Branch to nominate their preferred charity; "One Step Toward Hope" was selected.