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Staff at insurance company Allianz voted to support Age Concern as their charity of the year in 2008 and are hoping to raise a whopping £65,000 through a host of fun fundraising activities.

Employees from the national company kick-started the fundraising drive recently at a Silver Day. By dressing up in silver and donating all their spare silver coins, they collected over £5,000. Six Allianz employees completed the London Marathon in April and are on target to raise a further £10,000 for the cause.

Allianz Charity of the Year organiser Fran Everist feels this is a particularly appropriate time to be supporting Age Concern. She said “We are keen to do as much as we can to raise money for older people. It is shocking to know that 1.8 million older people live in poverty and many struggle to pay basic food and energy bills. Our staff will be putting their heart and souls into our campaign for Age Concern and we are hoping to make a difference with our fundraising efforts.”

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said, “We are so pleased that Allianz has chosen Age Concern as its Charity of the Year for 2008. The money that will be raised over the year will enable us to improve the lives of
many thousands of older people across the country.”

Plans are already in place for more fundraising activities including cake sales, dress down days, sponsored shaves and finally, Wear-a-Hat-Day in December.

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Notes to Editors:

Allianz Insurance PLC is one of the UK’s leading general insurers and part of   Allianz Group SE, one of the world’s largest financial services providers with a presence in more than 70 countries.

Age Concern is the largest organisation in the UK working for older people. Everyday we are in touch with thousands of older people, enabling them to make more of life. Our services include information and advice, befriending, day centres, lunch clubs, transport services, homes visits and advocacy services. More information can be found on our website.