Wildlife rescue charities are set to benefit from a new insurance brand launched this week, which gives a proportion of premiums to environmental and wildlife protection charities.
Launched in Gloucestershire on Monday and supported by insurers including Liverpool Victoria, Zurich, Ageas, AXA and Covea, Evergreen Insurance Services will enable customers to purchase home, motor, pet, travel, health and business products with a donation of between 10% and 25% of the premium going to a wildlife charity of their choice.
The launch is a welcome addition to the insurance market, which is typically light on offers demonstrating environmental and social responsibility.
Evergreen joins Naturesave, a Devon-based commercial and home insurer, in tapping into the growing interest to see money doing good.
The payments are 10% of the first year’s policy commission, 15% in year two and 25% in year three, and thereafter.
Evergreen creator and founder David Gardiner said at the launch at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel in Cirencester: “It is a truly ethical brand, which charities have informed us will make a massive difference to urgently needed support funds and just as importantly will mean that the customer can choose a charity and contribute without digging further in the pockets.”
“The outcome of our initial announcement is so fantastic. I am deeply moved by what people have said about the potential of Evergreen to help animals under threat”.
A great way forward for all of us to buy essential insurance from a company giving something back to help wildlife. All success to you xx https://t.co/yqrmzuhgFO
— LION AID (@LIONAID) March 17, 2017
Barry Branigan. general manager of Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre, near Cricklade on the Blakehill Nature Reserve said: “In the past 22 years or so we have cared for up to 50,000 rescued animals…and the numbers are growing. We cover 3,000 square miles, and obviously adequate funding is vital.
“This partnership to join with an ethical product is hugely important to our future and that of others in the world of wildlife in need. Evergreen really does help meet great financial needs of our rescue centres.”
Tom Thurston of insurers Liverpool Victoria, which has 6 million customers said: “Evergreen brings a new dimension to people like ourselves, who are keen always to act responsibly and ethically, especially towards charities needing support. This is a very special product and we are delighted to have an opportunity to offer Evergreen’s benefits to our clients and those they wish to support”.
Tamsin Whinton, fundraising and engagement manager of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said that help by Evergreen customers would be a further engagement with the public, who are very supportive of the trust, including those who gain help from its activities, such as Help for Heroes. “We are really excited to have the opportunity to be involved with Evergreen”, she said.
