Social Impact & Volunteering

Zurich Omaha Volunteers Feel Proud of Accomplishments at Habitat for Humanity Build

Aug 20, 2012 5:00 PM ET
Campaign: 100 Ways
Zurich employee volunteers take break from helping Habitat for Humanity build a home in Omaha.

Zurich employee volunteers are putting their mark on 13 Habitat for Humanity builds across the United States and Canada this year all as part of the 100th anniversary "100 Ways" community service initiative. Travel across North America with our special series as we move from city to city and find out how Zurich employees are helping to build a firm foundation for families - with hard hats and heart. This week's stop takes us to Omaha, Nebraska.

OMAHA- August 20, 2012 - As part of Zurich’s first Global Community Week, 20 colleagues in Omaha participated in two days of Habitat for Humanity builds last spring.

As relayed by Zurich’s Community Implementation Team member Buffy Graham, these enthusiastic employees split into teams of 10, with each team working for one day to help put a roof over the heads of a deserving Omaha-area family.

Decent and affordable housing is a critical need in and around Omaha. “In the North Omaha metro area, six out of 10 children are living in poverty," said Graham. "Nearly half of the families with annual incomes less than $20,650 are paying more than they can afford for housing.”

On the flip side, with stable, affordable housing, families can:

  • Provide stability for their children
  • Gain improved health, physical safety and security
  • Increase educational and job prospects
  • Be engaged in their communities

“The Omaha office participation has been wonderful! Our employees have not only volunteered to help with our Habitat for Humanity project, but have asked about more projects throughout the year,” Graham said about the volunteers involved.

What did Zurich volunteers have to say?

“I know a home is very important and have always wanted the chance to help with a build to give someone the opportunity to have their own home.” - Amber Weyhrich, Zurich Underwriting Manager

“I feel really good about it. Aside from meeting some really cool people that also work in the Omaha office that I hadn't met before, the way we all came together and worked as a team was really inspiring. It was quite a work out! Everyone was ready to work, and the final product looked amazing. We were all really proud of what we accomplished that day.” - Tara Brown, Zurich Processing Technician

“It's a good feeling to see so many people pull together on a large task such as building a home and make that dream a reality for someone.” - Zurich Patrick Heese, Operations Manager.